New Nursery set to open it’s doors at Mansfield Innovation Centre

A new nursery, at Mansfield Innovation Centre, is set to create jobs and much-needed childcare places for local parents.

Steve and Sue Whitney, who own and manage Aunty Sue’s Day Care on St John Street and Crocodile Rock Day care on Newgate Lane, are set to open their third nursery, Teddy Day Care, on 1 April.

The new 2,500ft² establishment on Hamilton Way features state-of-the-art baby and toddler rooms, preschool facilities, and a secure outdoor play area. With an investment of £12,000, the space has been transformed with custom flooring, furniture, decor and new toys and play equipment to support its curriculum delivery.

Teddy Day Care can accommodate 82 children and will generate 18 new jobs in the town. It received Ofsted approval in February. Teddy Day Care has spaces for 82 children and will create 18 new jobs in the town. It received Ofsted approval in February.

Sue Whitney founded Aunty Sue’s in 1996, initially offering home-based childminding services. It opened its first nursery in 2016, and Crocodile Rock followed in 2019. Currently, the nurseries serve 300 across the town and employ 30 people. Suzanne Booth, who joined Aunty Sue’s as an apprentice in 2018 and is currently its deputy manager, has been promoted to Nursery Manager at Teddy Day Care.

The demand for childcare places in Mansfield is set to increase following the introduction of new Government funding for childcare, which will rise to 30 hours for eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old up to school age from September 2025. Parents can start using the new entitlement from the term after they apply, so securing a place in April means they can get the new allowance in September.

An open day at Teddy Day Care is scheduled between noon and 2pm on Saturday, 15 March, allowing parents to view the facilities, meet the team, and apply for a place.

Sue Whitney stated: “We’re thrilled to open our third daycare centre at the Mansfield Innovation Centre, providing much-needed additional childcare places to local families. Teddy Day Care will offer the same warm welcome and nurturing environment as our other nurseries. Our goal is to deliver a high-quality early years curriculum and activities, enabling children to learn through play, develop at their own pace, and acquire vital skills for life.

“We also collaborate with families to help shape their child’s learning experience with us. We look forward to opening our doors in April and welcoming more local families into our growing community.”

Mansfield Innovation Centre, managed by Oxford Innovation Space, houses over 30 growing businesses, offering fully serviced offices, virtual office facilities, hot desks and meeting spaces. Clients benefit from tailored support and business coaching designed to fuel their growth.

Centre Manager Hannah Frear commented: “At Mansfield Innovation Centre, we prioritise supporting ambitious businesses that create local opportunities. We’re delighted to welcome Sue and her team to operate our on-site nursery.

“Aunty Sue’s is a local success story with an exemplary reputation, creating numerous jobs and providing quality childcare for many families around Mansfield. The new nursery enhances our overall offering, and the ethos and values of Sue and her team align closely with ours.

“It is about building a community, adding value to local employers and residents and enriching the town’s cultural capital. We are pleased to be at the heart of these developments.”

For more information about Teddy Day Care, visit Home | Teddy Day Care