Kieran Mullan, MP for the Bexhill and Battle constituency, has welcomed the opening of Puddleducks Nursery in Hurst Green following a visit to the new childcare setting, which is providing additional childcare capacity for local families while creating skilled jobs in the community.
During the visit, Kieran met staff, toured the facilities and learned more about the nursery's role in supporting families across Hurst Green and the surrounding villages.
Located in a former Catholic church in the heart of the village, the nursery has brought a community building back into active use, giving it a new purpose serving local children and families.
Puddleducks caters for children from nine months old through to Reception age and is open year-round from 8am to 6pm, helping to provide flexible childcare for working parents and providing a different offer to the nursery at Hurst Green Primary School which is for over 2s and term-time only. The nursery has also created a number of skilled early years positions, contributing to local employment and investment in the area.
The opening builds on the success of the owners' new nursery in Salehurst, extending their experience in early years education to families in Hurst Green.
Kieran was particularly impressed by the nursery's welcoming and homely atmosphere, as well as its large outdoor play area, which gives children opportunities to learn and explore beyond the classroom.
Speaking after the visit, Dr Kieran Mullan MP said:
It was a pleasure to visit Puddleducks and see the fantastic work that has gone into creating this new nursery. Access to childcare is vital for families, helping parents balance work and family life while ensuring children have the opportunity to learn and develop from an early age. It's especially positive to see this former church building given a new lease of life. Rather than standing empty, it is once again serving the community in a meaningful way.
The nursery is not only providing much-needed childcare places, but also creating skilled local jobs and investing in the future of our area. Building on the success of their nursery in Salehurst, the team has brought valuable experience to Hurst Green, and I wish them every success."
A spokesperson for Puddleducks Nursery said:
We were delighted to welcome Kieran to the nursery. Bringing this building back into use and creating new employment opportunities locally has been an important part of the project.
We look forward to becoming part of village life and supporting families across Hurst Green and the surrounding area."
