A PRIVATE day nursery which opened just a year ago has become the first in the North West to claim a prestigious award and receive a personal accolade from an MP.
Saddleworth Stars at Scouthead, which cares for more than 80 children, has passed the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) award scheme.
As part of the award, the nursery completed a portfolio reflecting on all the policies and practices around inclusion and had a full day inspection to assess these.
Now the family-owned nursery, owned by Rafael Fernandez and his wife Tory and run by a 20-strong team, has been named as a Centre of Excellence for their inclusive practice.
Zoe Mayhew, nursery manager, said: “We are delighted to be the first nursery in the North West to have received both this award and the Centre of Excellence accolade.
“We are hoping to promote this in the local area and strengthen our links in the local community.”
Joe McCann, director of Inclusion Quality Mark (UK), said: “The school fully meets the standard required by IQM, with a positive response from children, parents and staff.
“The owners were very supportive and valued the work of setting the importance of inclusion.”
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, paid a special visit to the ursery and praised the team for their success.
She said: “It was such a pleasure to meet Tory, Rafael, Zoe and the staff and see first-hand just how much hard work they have put into achieving this award.
“Being the first nursery in the whole of the North West to achieve this puts the scale of their achievement into context.
“Early years education is so important in providing a positive foundation for a child. As well as helping their journey through the education system, it’s also a stepping stone into the world at large.
“So it’s great for people to know Saddleworth Stars is providing the very best start for their little ones.”
Rafael added: “We strive to develop each child to their full potential socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually, in a secure, vibrant environment in partnership with parents and carers.
“Each child is treated as an individual and their enjoyment, development and happiness is of the utmost priority to us.”
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