Co-op Childcare welcome three new nurseries!

We are proud to announce Co-op Childcare have now expanded their operations in the North East with three new sites in Sunderland, doubling its estate in the region.

Acquiring the Tavistock Day Nursery in Sunderland, Hetton Day House Nursery in Houghton le Spring and the Seaham Day House Nursery in Seaham; the three nurseries will provide places for 259 children and employ 100 practitioners.

Achieving Ofsted ‘outstanding’ status

Two of the newly acquired nurseries have already achieved Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ and the third is rated ‘Good’. All three offer expansive facilities, including spacious indoor and outdoor learning environments, equipped with age-appropriate natural resources that mirror the existing Co-op Childcare offering. The nurseries also have on-site kitchens equipped to deliver new nutritionally-balanced menus recently developed by Co-op Childcare in partnership with Dr Hilary Jones.

In the long term, the new additions will see the ‘Little Pioneers’ increase its strong and successful presence in the North East, adding to the three existing Co-op Childcare nurseries in Newcastle, which have all been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

These new introductions highlight the Society’s continued commitment to investing in its Childcare business, following on from the successful purchase of four nurseries in the West Midlands in 2016.

What does it mean for Co-op Childcare?

Sally Bonnar, Chief Operating Officer at Co-op Childcare said: “This acquisition comes after a strong period of growth and building on the success of our nurseries in the North East is a natural next step. As Co-op Childcare continues to go from strength to strength, we will seek to continue to expand here in the North East and across the country.

“The strength of our position in this region is a testament to how our co-operative values resonate with parents. We’re a different kind of childcare provider and the new sites will allow us to offer a rich and varied curriculum for the children in the area, including our community intergenerational programme. We’re only looking to enhance what is already a fantastic childcare offering and we look forward to working with our new colleagues to provide the best possible start in life for every single child.”

Phil Ponsonby, Chief Executive of Co-op Midcounties said: “We are delighted to be able to acquire Tavistock Day Nurseries who have operated very much in line with our values and provide high-quality care. This acquisition shows our ongoing commitment to grow and develop our core businesses.”

For more information on the new additions to the family and where the nurseries are located, click here.