Childcare provision rewarded

Childcare providers from across Staffordshire are to pick up awards for their work at a ceremony in Stafford.

Independent childminders and staff from nurseries, pre-schools and a children's centre are all being recognised.

The quality of their provision is being marked by Staffordshire County Council in the first Early Years and Childcare Star Awards. The awards have been created by the council's early years and childcare team which works hard to support and co-ordinate childcare providers right across the county.

They take place in the County Buildings in Stafford tomorrow at 7pm.

The awards are being given to providers who were judged to be outstanding by the inspection body Ofsted. Ofsted introduced its new inspection system in May 2005, and since then childcare providers have been rated as either outstanding, good, satisfactory, or inadequate.

Councillor Eric Drinkwater, cabinet support member for lifelong learning, said: "These awards highlight those childcare providers that have been recognised by Ofsted for being outstanding.

"To gain this rating, providers must demonstrate that they provide early years and childcare practice of the highest standard."

The specially designed awards take the form of an attractive three dimensional glass triangle with a star on the crown. Each piece will serve as a permanent reminder of the provider, having reached an exceptional standard in their most recent inspection.

Award winners are: Cannock Chase Children's Centre's day nursery, holiday playscheme, maintained nursery schools and classes; Gnosall Pre-School playgroup; Manor Nursery School; Tamworth Youth And Community Centre; and childminders Robert Allan from Cheslyn Hay, Susan Sutton of Harriseahead; Debbie Harrison of Cannock; Carole Eaton-Richards of Colton, Rugeley; Tracey Farmer of Rising Brook, Stafford; Angela Allan of Cheslyn Hay; Joanne Hill of Lichfield and Nicola Clare of Cotes Heath.