A Proud Moment for Rosedene: Celebrating Clare’s British Empire Medal

We’ve got some very special news to share… and we couldn’t be prouder.

Our very own Clare McCullagh, co-founder of Rosedene Nurseries, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her incredible services to early years education. It’s a huge honour, and one that reflects not just Clare’s dedication, but the passion and care that runs through everything we do at Rosedene.

From One Nursery to a Thriving Family

Rosedene began as a small, family-run nursery back in the early 1990s. Clare and her husband John built the business from the ground up, driven by a simple but powerful goal: to support families and give children the very best start in life.

Fast forward to today, and Rosedene has grown into a group of 11 nurseries across Teesside and North Yorkshire, supporting thousands of children every year. But despite that growth, one thing has never changed - our commitment to creating nurturing, inspiring environments where children can learn, play, and thrive.

A Journey Rooted in Care

Before founding Rosedene, Clare worked as a midwife for 15 years, supporting young mothers and their babies. It was during this time, after starting her own family, that she saw just how important high-quality childcare is for parents.

That insight sparked the beginning of Rosedene, a place where families could feel supported, and children could grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence through play-based learning.

Supporting Our Community When It Mattered Most

Clare’s leadership has always been about putting people first and that was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With many of our nurseries located close to hospitals, our teams quickly adapted to support frontline workers. We introduced 24-hour childcare, including overnight care for NHS staff working night shifts.

It was a challenging time, but also a powerful reminder of the role early years settings play in supporting not just children, but entire communities.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Clare was officially presented with her medal by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire in a special ceremony, a moment she shared with her family.

When asked about the award, Clare said:

“It is a real honour to receive the British Empire Medal. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our whole team at Rosedene, who are committed every day to supporting children and families.”

And that really says it all.

Looking Ahead

While Clare is now stepping back from the day-to-day running of the business, Rosedene remains very much a family affair. Her daughter Alice has taken on a leading role, supported by the same amazing teams who have helped shape Rosedene over the years.

The future is bright, and we’re excited to continue building on Clare’s legacy.

This award is not just about one person. It’s about every member of our team, every family who has trusted us, and every child who has walked through our doors.

Thank you for being part of the Rosedene journey.