A GROUP of nurseries in the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire has been offering 24-hour care for the children of key workers.

Rosedene, which has four childcare centres in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Northallerton and Saltburn, has kept its venues open throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

A survey by early years market research agency Ceeda shows about a third of nurseries are still open.

Rosedene has a total of 75 children, including 12 vulnerable youngsters, across its four facilities.

All four nurseries have been continuously ahead of the daily mean and average headcount, with the Middlesbrough hub caring for 32 children and supporting who are vulnerable.

The nurseries have been offering 24-hour care for those who need it, ensuring that key workers can attend nightshifts without additional childcare concerns.

Alice McCullagh, director of Rosedene, said: “We are delighted that Rosedene is so far ahead of the national average in caring for vulnerable children and children of key workers. As a North-East care provider, we are incredibly pleased to set a great example for the rest of the country.

It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our staff, who continue to provide an exceptional service to designated key worker parents at a time when they need us the most."

“We will not be resting on our laurels. Our numbers continue to increase as we look towards even more positive times ahead and contributing to the continuing conversation about reopening schools in the future.”