THE SOUND of children playing will once again be heard in an historic school.
Hundreds of years of history is behind The Cedars School in Aldermaston and it is soon to be converted into a new state-of-the-art nursery, thanks to new owners, Complete Childcare.
It builds on the Berkshire-based company’s 15-strong chain across the county.
And the new owners say they are determined that the nursery will have a traditional feel, to match the feel of the rural village, west of Reading town centre.
Alec Hodson, managing director of Complete Childcare, said that after becoming aware of Cedars, its history, its role in the community and the special place it has in people’s hearts, they felt they had to act.
“We saw it as a place that was perfect for children and where so many have developed through their formative years,” he explained. “Our mission is to bring our high-quality standard of childcare to families living locally whilst continuing the legacy of this much-loved site.”
Mr Hodson added that he is excited at Complete Childcare’s commitment to bring its care to the latest setting in Berkshire and is enchanted by the history of the village and the building. “We want to really go back to the etchings of a traditional nursery,” he said.
“We’re passionate about making a long-term investment for the future of children living across the region by making this site into our head office and a flagship nursery for Complete Childcare.
“It will become home-base for our administrative team and the training facility for new childcare practitioners. We’re looking forward to Cedars becoming the new template for our childcare practice.”
The company feels it can do something special with the site, with its size allowing for a sense of community, as well as offering a personal touch to parents and children.
“We will retain the historic look of the building and look forward to investing in high-quality resources for the children and nurturing each child through long-established and classical values of care and development,” Mr Hodson promised.
The school closed in 2021, and its former headteacher, Jane O’Halloran, said: “It’s important to me that the Cedars building, which was established for the education of children of the village, should continue to have children’s laughter ringing through it.
“I’m delighted that Alec and his team can carry Cedars on with the enthusiasm and affection our village deserves.”
Complete Childcare hope to be welcoming infants from later this month, and it is looking to recruit teachers and staff members.
Mr Hodson said that full training is available for those looking to get into Early Years childcare, and career opportunities available across the group.
For more information, visit www.completechildcare.co.uk
