A NORTH-East nursery group has been shortlisted for a national award.

Rosedene Nurseries, which runs 11 facilities in Teesside and North Yorkshire is a finalist for the nursery group of the year award in the national Nursery Awards 2020.

In addition to the overall nomination, Rosedene’s Northallerton nursery has reached the final five entrants in the community nursery of the year category.

Its partnership with a nearby elderly care home and notable recent visits, including from the chancellor of the exchequer and Richmond MP Rishi Sunak have impressed the awards’ judging panel.

Kate Draycott, head chef at Rosedene, made it through to the final shortlist of five for the nursery chef award, having been a runner-up in the 2019 awards.

Director Alice McCullagh said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted in no fewer than three categories in this year’s prestigious NMT Nursery Awards.

"2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for all sectors, and early years provision has been no exception. At Rosedene, we rose to the challenge of the pandemic.

"From the start of lockdown, we have been remained focused on doing the right thing. This meant putting our children and families first, including providing 24-hour care for key workers. We have been able to support all our employees, whilst being relentless in delivering exceptional childcare practice."

“These award nominations are testament to the hard work and dedication our teams at Rosedene Nurseries have shown over the past year.

“Our Northallerton hub has become an integral part of the local community and Kate, our fantastic head chef, has proved herself, once again, a culinary genius!

“Whatever the outcome of the awards next month, the whole team at Rosedene can be confident in the knowledge that they have gone above and beyond for the children and families we support every day.”

Winners of the NMT Nursery Awards 2020 will be presented with their trophies at the virtual Awards Presentation held on Thursday 26th November 2020.