Celebrating Our Founder: Clare McCullagh Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM)

Celebrating Our Founder: Clare McCullagh Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) 

We are incredibly proud to share that Clare McCullagh, Co-Founder of Rosedene Nurseries, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s 2026 Honours List for her outstanding services to the Early Years Education sector across the North East of England. 

This prestigious recognition marks Clare’s remarkable 30-year journey dedicated to children and families across Teesside and North Yorkshire, together with the collective effort of the entire Rosedene community - a team, a family business, passionately committed to giving every child the very best start in life. 

A Vision Rooted in Care, Community, and Curiosity 

Clare’s story began in 1993, when she and her husband John acquired the nursery business, having previously attended ‘Rose Dene playgroup’ as toddlers themselves in the sixties! What started as humble beginnings fuelled by a love of early education soon grew into a thriving group of community-focused nurseries across Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and North Yorkshire. 

Over the last three decades, Rosedene has flourished, shaped by Clare’s belief in high-quality, inclusive childcare and building an outstanding reputation in the sector. Clare, alongside her husband John, and their team have championed enriching experiences that spark imagination and build lifelong resilience. Rosedene Nurseries were awarded the first ever ‘Ofsted Outstanding’ recognition for the Redcar & Cleveland area.  

Family Efforts and Team Achievements 

Throughout Rosedene’s growth, Clare has been supported every step of the way by her close-knit family and the exceptional teams who share her commitment to children’s development. 

From educators and apprentices to operational staff and family supporters, everyone at Rosedene has played a part in shaping the organisation’s journey.  

I am incredibly humbled to be recognised with a BEM in the New Year's 2026 Honours List. It has been an extraordinary journey, and this honour truly reflects the dedication and hard work of an exceptional team and commitment of our family. - Clare McCullagh, BEM

Congratulations, Clare, on this truly well deserved recognition. Your passion has shaped the lives of so many, and we couldn’t be more proud! Clare has passed on her expertise and passion with today’s leadership team at Rosedene Nurseries, who drive the mission of providing the most enriching learning opportunities, within a nurturing environment, for our children to be kind, curious and confident, ready to shape the world.