Church Fenton not-for-profit nursery increases capacity from 51 to 77 children following a major transformation, ahead of its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

Jigsaws Childcare Nursery has welcomed children back following a major £750,000 redevelopment project over the summer that has transformed its facilities and created additional childcare places for families in Church Fenton and the surrounding area.

The two-month programme of works, which began in July, involved the removal of the original prefabricated portable building, which had served the nursery since it was established in 2007, and was no longer fit for purposed.

Working in collaboration with architects Henszel Designs and modular building manufacturer Phoenix Building Systems, the new facility was manufactured off-site before the 14 individual modules were transported and craned into position. The new energy-efficient two-storey building provides modernised facilities and an improved environment for children's learning, development and wellbeing

To celebrate the milestone, Jigsaws hosted a free open day for the local community, giving families the opportunity to explore the new facilities, meet the team and learn more about the nursery’s childcare provision.

Established in 2007, Jigsaws is an inclusive, community-rooted, not-for-profit organisation providing full-day nursery care, wraparound before- and after-school clubs, and support for children with special educational needs. As it approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, the redevelopment represents a significant investment in the organisation’s future and its role in supporting local families.

The move follows the April 2026 announcement that Jigsaws scooped the Healthy Early Years Gold Award, recognising its work to support children's physical, social and emotional wellbeing, promote healthy eating, and encourage outdoor learning. As part of this focus, the nursery runs garden harvesting and ‘plant to plate’ activities where children grow, harvest, and learn about food.

The award also acknowledges the organisation’s focus on staff mental health and wellbeing with a dedicated mental health first aider on site and an outdoor curriculum where staff are encouraged to get involved in Forest Schools teaching.

Food and nutrition are also central to the nursery’s approach. Meals are prepared on site by its kitchen team, with an emphasis on providing children with home-cooked food. The nursery holds a Food Hygiene Rating of 5.

Jigsaws also received Millie’s Mark in 2017, becoming the first nursery in the Selby area to achieve the recognition. Awarded by the National Day Nurseries Association in collaboration with the Department for Education and Millie’s Trust, Millie’s Mark recognises childcare settings that go beyond minimum requirements for paediatric first aid training and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining staff skills and safeguarding children.

Helen Smith, Business Manager at Jigsaws Childcare, said “This has been a landmark year for Jigsaws. From investing £750,000 in a new nursery to securing our Healthy Early Years Gold Award, we have achieved some really significant milestones as an organisation, and we are incredibly proud of what they represent.

As we approach our 20th anniversary, this is about more than celebrating our past – it is about shaping what comes next. This investment is future-proofing Jigsaws for the next 20 years and beyond, giving us the foundations to grow, innovate and continue making a real difference to children and families across our community.

“Behind all of this is an exceptional team of 28 members of staff who bring our values to life every day. Their dedication, alongside the support of our families and the wider community, has helped make Jigsaws what it is today.”

Katie Dean, a parent with children at the nursery, added: “I honestly can’t put into words how grateful I am for everything Jigsaws has done for Gabriella. She absolutely adores going and has grown so much in confidence – her little friendships and social skills have just blossomed. As her mum, knowing she’s somewhere she feels completely happy, safe and loved is everything, and I trust the team implicitly. They’ve become such a lovely part of our family’s life that there was never any question where her baby sister Connie would go – she’ll be starting soon too!

“The new building is clean, well designed and spacious, and a fantastic asset for our village. With the increased capacity, more local families will get to experience what we have. We genuinely feel so lucky to have this nursery on our doorstep with such fantastic, caring staff.”