Newcastle Nursery awarded 'Early Years Stronger Practice Hub' Status

Oaklands Nursery School in Newcastle-under-Lyme confirmed as part of ‘Early Years Stronger Practice Hub’ network, supporting local nurseries and childminders to improve local kids’ readiness for school.

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, has congratulated Oaklands Nursery School on its appointment as part of the government's Early Years Stronger Practice Hub programme. The network brings together the best nurseries and childminders across England to share proven approaches to early education.

The Hubs host specialist advisers and leads in early language, maths, and personal, social and emotional development – delivering tailored training so the highest quality teaching reaches more children in more communities.

The programme supports Labour's 30 funded hours childcare offer, which has brought childcare costs back to 2005 levels. Evidence shows that more highly qualified staff leads to better outcomes for children – yet fewer than one in ten nursery staff currently hold a graduate teaching qualification, a legacy of years
of under investment in early years education.

Oaklands' new hub role is part of the government's wider workforce strategy, which also includes the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship and the Do Something Big campaign to attract new nursery staff.

Adam Jogee MP said:

"I’m delighted that the team at Oaklands Nursery are being recognised for the work they’re doing to give children across Newcastle-under-Lyme the best start in life. The work they will do, as an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, will be crucial for so many – raising the quality of early years education for children who need it most. Combined with Labour's 30 funded hours offer, this is exactly how we give every child the best possible start in life."

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

"Giving every child the best start in life is my top priority, and integral to our mission to ensure tens of thousands more children are school ready every year.

“That’s why despite the inherited challenges we face, we are pressing ahead with the investment and leadership needed to support families and make sure that every child, regardless of background, can access the high-quality early education they deserve"