Nursery for Yarm School is approved

A NURSERY for a private school in Yarm has been approved by Stockton Council.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter

Yarm School applied for planning permission to turn The Hermitage, an empty, two-storey, detached home, dating back to the early 20th century, into a childcare facility. The property will be for up to 68 children as part of the Yarm School site.

The plans include building a new one-storey brick “pavilion-style” extension with floor to ceiling windows and a glazed canopy, making a new outdoor play area, and demolishing two garages and widening vehicle access. The school said dedicated open-plan spaces would be tailored to different age groups, with the ground floor for two to three year-olds and the first floor for babies under two.

Yarm Town Council supported the plan for the site at the junction of The Spital and Worsall Road, Yarm, which is surrounded by homes, High Street businesses, Yarm Medical Centre and allotment gardens. They said it would give the school “the opportunity to expand their facilities and will benefit the town”.

The plans are meant to meet demand following the government's childcare expansion policy allowing 30 hours of funded nursery provision for working families. It will employ about 24 staff, with 18 parking bays.