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St Mary's Childcare Centre

The St Mary's Childcare Centre based at City Campus will close permanently on 23 July 2025.

The University remains fully committed to providing the highest level of care and support during this transition period. No new applications will be accepted before its closure.

The Childcare Centre will continue to operate until the closure date, and the team will work closely with parents to ensure a smooth transition for their children. The team will also provide information about alternative childcare providers and local resources to help parents make other arrangements.

More information on alternative childcare providers in the city can be found on Sunderland Information Point.

A staff member playing with two small children

Quality care

Our childcare service is registered and inspected regularly by Ofsted, who awarded us the ultimate recognition of 'Good' with Outstanding Behaviours and Attitudes.

All meals are prepared on site – where we have a 5-star hygiene rating – by a qualified professional cook, and dietary requirements can be catered for upon discussion with a child’s keyworker. Our staff are all professionally qualified, skilled, and experienced. A comprehensive external, University and service staff development programme provides opportunities to continually update and enhance our knowledge.

Find out more about our childcare centre.

Peace of mind

Our staff are highly experienced and possess a wide range of skills and knowledge. They undergo all necessary clearances from the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) and a health check, prior to starting employment. All staff have their DBS check renewed every three years, are paediatric first-aid trained, and safeguarding trained, so you can relax in the knowledge that your child is in the care of staff who you can trust and rely on. At St Mary’s, you’ll find a healthy, safe, and secure environment.

A stimulating curriculum

Your child will engage in an exciting and educational curriculum which is led by our two early years teachers, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This promotes teaching and learning to ensure children are ready for school and gives them the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for future progress through school and life.

Keyworkers will track children’s learning and development during their journey with us using a variety of methods, including planning and observation, as well as birth to five trackers. Children can enjoy activities such as jiggle wiggle, outdoor play, sensory play, and creative time, which will ensure they thoroughly enjoy their time with us. Once that time is up, we’ll celebrate how far they've come with a graduation ceremony, just like our neighbours at the University.

Testimonials

"I couldn't be happier with St Mary's. The staff have supported my little girl from small baby to confident toddler. The children learn so much through play and activities and I can clearly see how much my daughter progresses every day she's there. She's made some firm friends and her language, social skills, and imagination are developing so much."

Rachel, parent

"The staff at the nursery are amazing – each and every one of them! They're professional, polite, and passionate about caring for babies and young children. They do a wonderful job and I would wholeheartedly recommend St Mary’s to any parent. My children love the nursery and they've been well prepared for the years ahead."

Nicola, parent

"The childcare service provided at St Mary's is second to none! I've used other providers and they don't come close. Staff go above and beyond to provide adjusted care for my daughter who has additional medical needs and it gives me peace of mind that she's being well looked after. The educational and personal development support is exceptional."

Fiona, parent

Contact us

If you'd like to speak to us regarding availability or to arrange a visit, please get in touch:

0191 515 2286
childcare@sunderland.ac.uk

St Mary's Childcare Centre
City Campus
Chester Road
Sunderland
SR1 3SD