- A nursery in Hackney, London, credits African snails, stick insectsand a 50-year-old tortoise called Fred with helping them to achieveoutstanding Ofsted grades. Wentworth Nursery School is described as a'hive of activity' by inspectors, who added that 'from the momentchildren come in they are presented with such a wide range of excitingactivities that they are spoilt for choice'.
- Tidbury Green Private Nursery in Solihull, West Midlands has beenhonoured with two accolades in the past two months. After being awardedan outstanding grade for nursery education from Ofsted in April, itgained an Investors in People award. Owners Adriana Farren and LouiseWilliams co-founded the nursery in 1985 and it is now attended by 31children.
- Families and playgroups gathered on the beach at Burnham-on-Sea on 19July for a mass sandcastle building competition as part of NationalChildcare Month. The annual 'Tide Fight' was organised by Somerset EarlyYears Play and Childcare Service.
- A Hampshire pre-school is celebrating after receiving an outstandingOfsted report. Inspectors said that Candover Valley Pre-School had anexcellent relationship with parents and that staff were motivated andenthusiastic. Joint head teachers Melanie Gill and Catherine Perkinssaid, 'We're extremely proud of our children and it's a tribute to themthat the inspector could see how much they enjoy their time withus.'
- Brent Borough Council in London has named the five winners of theirfirst 'Making a Difference' award recognising exceptional childcareproviders: childminder Agatha Cyrus, Bluebell Nursery in Alperton, AwayForward After-School Club in Willesden, Creations After-School Club inKenton and Stonebridge, and Salusbury World, a refugee project inQueen's Park. Brent awarded 80 Childcare Achievement Awards at aceremony in Wembley Plaza Hotel.
