Family-run nursery 'everybody knows' celebrates 100 years

"The school has been here long before any of us, and we have to make sure it remains here long after"

Former pupils of a thriving school community are invited to take a trip down memory lane and step back into their old classrooms for a special centenary celebration.

Streatham House Nursery, a cherished nursery in Blundellsands, is celebrating 100 years of early years education this month. Founded in 1925 as an all-girls school and nursery, Streatham House remains proudly family-owned and operated, now in its third generation.

Education director George Apel, who took over ownership of the nursery from his parents following their retirement, said: "Streatham House has a sense of community. Everybody knows Streatham House. The building itself is very beautiful; we have a hall with a theatre and stage from when the school used to specialise in drama, and over the years there have been shows for people to watch, not just parents but the whole community.

"We're conscious that we might be the current custodians, but there's a long history that came before us. For the school to turn 100 years old, it has to have been here long before any of us, and we have to make sure it remains here long after.

"We're looking at this as a big milestone, a big celebration. The education sector is ever-changing, and early years learning will always be a part of it, but we want to make sure we are always adapting and meeting the needs of our community, whoever that is."

Streatham House Nursery is one of seven nurseries in the Atherton House Nursery Group, which also runs Atherton House School in Crosby, Cosy Corner Day Nursery in Birkenhead, and three more nurseries in Cheshire.

The group took over Streatham House in 2011 following the retirement of its former head teacher, Claire Baxter. Formerly an all-girls school specialising in theatre and drama studies, it became a full-time nursery for children aged three months to five years in 2018.

George said: "For me personally it's a family business. My mum has always been a teacher and that's where my passion came from growing up.

"The early years sector is desperate to be recognised as a professional part of a child's education. A little child's brain is developing more in these first five years than they will in the next, so we need to give them all the skills they need for when they head off to 'big school'.

"When they're in nursery, they're learning and interacting with children their age, and when they're ready to make that transition they are school-ready and that's what we want to make sure of - that little ones who leave us are ready for that big world out there."

Streatham House's centenary celebration, taking place at the nursery on May 31 between 10am and 2pm, will honour the nursery’s rich history while celebrating the community that has supported it through the years.

Past and current families, former pupils, staff, and friends of the nursery are all invited to attend. Children's activities include a bouncy castle and soft play, football games, and a petting zoo.

Tours of the nursery will be available during the day and a special archive room has been curated to showcase the history of Streatham House.

The day will be hosted by DJ Alex Toal from Greatest Hits Radio, bringing live entertainment throughout the day. Foodies can enjoy a taste of Spain from the live Spanish kitchen with local favourite So Salsa, alongside a range of other food options.

The event will also feature a bustling area with stalls from local businesses offering everything from sweet treats and handmade gifts to natural hair and beauty products.

George said: “This milestone is so much more than a birthday – it’s a celebration of generations of families who have walked through our doors. We’re incredibly proud to be a family-run nursery in the local community, and this day is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has been part of Streatham House since it first opened in 1925.”