Yarm School submits plans for new 0-3 years

Yarm School has submitted plans to Stockton Borough Council to change the use of The Hermitage, an existing residential property adjacent to the school site, into a new 0-3 years provision.

Recognising growing demand for high-quality nursery provision in the area, Yarm has consulted Stockton Council’s Childcare Sufficiency Team to assess local needs. Their findings confirmed a significant demand for additional early years education, and the new setting will offer provision for around 60 children.

The Hermitage, located on The Spital in Yarm, is approximately 200 metres from the main school site and 250 metres from the Prep School and a short walk to Yarm’s thriving High Street. Plans for the site include a refurbishment of the existing building, with a contemporary single-storey extension to the east and south, designed to complement the character of the original structure.

Inside, it will be designed to accommodate babies and children up to three years old, with dedicated spaces tailored to different age groups. The ground floor will primarily serve two-year-olds, featuring an open-plan daycare area, toddler washroom facilities, and a smaller room for quiet activities. The first floor will be designed for babies under two, with interconnected rooms for an open-plan layout, a baby daycare area, and dedicated changing and staff facilities.

The plan proposes landscaped gardens designed to encourage play and exploration in a natural setting. The 0-3 years provision will be delivered by a dedicated team, operating from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, 50 weeks a year.

Dr Huw Williams, Headmaster at Yarm School, said, “We are excited to take this important step in expanding our early years provision with this new facility for children zero to three years old. Yarm has always been committed to providing an exceptional education from the very start of a child’s learning journey with us, and this new facility will allow us to extend that experience to even younger children. By creating a nurturing environment that upholds the School’s ethos, we will ensure a seamless transition for those continuing their education at Yarm while also supporting families in the wider community.”

The development aligns with the UK Government’s Childcare Expansion policy, which began in April 2024 and will be fully implemented by September 2025, ensuring that all eligible working families can access 30 hours of funded nursery provision for children from the age of nine months.

A transport statement accompanying the application, predicted minimal impact from the development, citing ample parking and staggered start times.
Further information about the plans and design can be found www.yarmschooldevelopment.co.uk