St Bernadette’s in Nunthorpe opens a new toddler learning space

St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School in Nunthorpe, part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, opened the facility at the start of the school year with funding from housing developers and extra support from Middlesbrough Council.

The new building now offers early education for two-year-olds in the heart of the school community.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School in Nunthorpe (Image: Supplied)

Sarah Brady, headteacher at St Bernadette’s, said: “We set up our two-year-old provision at the end of September, so it’s only relatively new.

“We have places for 10 children and are almost full, but it’s quite a large space and we’d love to extend and offer more places.

“The funding from Middlesbrough Council has really helped improve our outdoor area, which we plan to build on over the next few years.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School in Nunthorpe (Image: Supplied)

“We were delighted Chris was able to come in and see what we’re doing here, and the children certainly seemed to enjoy his visit.

“We’re planning to bid for more outdoor furniture and resources when the new funding becomes available in April.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke visited the school to meet the children and see the new facility in action.

St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School in Nunthorpe has opened a new toddler learning space, supported by funding from housing developers and Middlesbrough Council (Image: Supplied)

Mr Cooke said: “It was great to visit the children at St Bernadette’s and see first hand how ambitious Miss Brady and her team are for the students.

“The school grants we introduced were designed to help teachers create better environments and experiences.

“I had great fun meeting the nursery class and seeing them learn as they played.

“With more grants, extra holiday clubs and youth clubs in every ward, we’re pushing hard to create more opportunities for our young people right across Middlesbrough.”

Outdoor play was limited during the visit due to poor weather, but Mr Cooke spent time indoors playing with the children.

The building was funded by Section 106 contributions from housing developers, designed to support community projects in areas of new development.

Children have settled quickly into the new setting, which supports their personal, social, and communication development.

The school also runs a monthly toddler group for children aged up to three, open to all families in the community.

Sessions are led by teaching staff and include music and play activities.

Ms Brady said: “It’s all about giving the children a strong starting point and welcoming them into the St Bernadette’s family as soon as possible.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer more to the community and to have so many happy children here at St Bernadette’s.”