Four trailblazing childcare providers have been recognised in a new Cumbria County Council scheme which sets a benchmark for nursery and pre-school childcare.
Cuddly Koalas of Broughton Moor, Rosley Busy Bees Pre-School, Kirkgate Pre-School and Busy Bees, Moresby are the first four childcare providers to have completed Cumbria County Council's Quality Assurance Scheme.
Alison Stanley, Senior Early Years Advisory Teacher for Children’s Services, said:
"Good childcare practitioners constantly evaluate and review their provision and this is exactly what each of them done. The early years of a child’s life are hugely important and these practitioners are giving the children the best possible experiences and are always looking for ways to improve and adapt to each individual child’s needs."
Sam Dever, Children’s Services' Strategic Lead Project Manager for 0-5 year olds, presented each of providers with their certificates and made the following comments:
"Rosley Busy Bees Pre School is known for its high quality childcare. It has very strong links to the community and primary school and uses lots of sensory interaction through music and role play. The pre school is successful in adapting its planning to each individual child’s needs."
"Moresby Busy Bees is a very modest setting in the sense that staff do not feel they do anything special. I hope that this acknowledgement of their quality provision will allow them to value all the lovely things they do each and every day with the children. This was a whole team effort, with each member of staff eager to develop and improve. There were lots of positive comments from the parents and another key strength was their imaginative play, which was highlighted in their evidence through colourful photographs."
"Cuddly Koalas had a very well-presented portfolio of evidence - good documentation and strong leadership are strong points. They encourage non gender stereotypical play and invite real life visitors from their local community, such as the vicar and doctor, in order for the children to learn more about the world."
"Kirkgate highlighted its lovely examples of good quality childcare using a film and this was an excellent way to show evidence. They make sensitive observations of each child and value the variety of backgrounds and cultures they have in their setting. The outdoors area is used very imaginatively and their chatty newsletters and communication with parents is also a key strength".
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
Notes
Staff, managers and committee members from each of the four childcare providers are pictured receiving their Quality Assurance Scheme certificates at Higham Hall.