A nursery in Scotswood, Newcastle, has received a donation of specialist equipment to enhance support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Scotswood Village Nursery, which operates from St Margaret’s Church on Heighley Street, has been given sensory equipment by New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC), the organisation behind The Rise housing development. The donation will help the nursery improve its provision for young children with additional needs.
The nursery, a family-run business, currently educates 48 children aged two to four and has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in its last two Ofsted inspections.
Caroline Duncan, one of the directors of Scotswood Village Nursery, expressed her gratitude for the donation. “We are really thankful to Lee and the team at NTWDC for providing this donation, which will enable us to enhance our provision even further. The children are loving the new equipment, and it’s making a real difference to the nursery,” she said.
She also acknowledged the role of Lisa Conroy from Healthworks, a local charity focused on community health and wellbeing, in facilitating the donation. “We are always looking to partner with local organisations and businesses that want to support the local community, and I’d like to thank Lisa for making this introduction.”
The nursery is run by directors Karen Holmes and Chris Cook, who have over 70 years of combined experience in education and childcare. In 2017 and 2020, their daughters, Caroline Duncan and Jen Rodden, both former primary school teachers, joined the business. The pair coincidentally met at university years earlier and have since brought their experience and shared passion for early years education into the family venture.
Lee McGray, a director with NTWDC, said the organisation was delighted to contribute. “When we were told about an opportunity to help support this fantastic nursery, we were only too happy to help,” he said.
“The hard work and dedication of the team at Scotswood Village Nursery – as recognised by their outstanding Ofsted reports – is exceptional. Many residents in our community send their children here and speak highly of the care and education provided.”
NTWDC is a partnership between Newcastle City Council and Keepmoat, leading The Rise, a £265 million regeneration project aiming to build 1,800 homes in Newcastle’s west end. The 148-acre development is one of the city’s most significant housing projects and has been highlighted nationally for its innovative approach.
So far, the partnership has delivered over 550 new homes, created 20 apprenticeships, safeguarded more than 1,000 jobs, and supported various school and employment initiatives.
Alongside housing development, NTWDC has committed up to £75,000 annually to local charities, schools, and community projects focusing on education, the arts, and environmental improvements, celebrating the area’s rich history.