Newcastle nursery joins national network of excellence in early years teaching
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Oaklands Nursery School in Newcastle-under-Lyme has been confirmed as one of 18 new 'Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs' – doubling the national network to 36 and boosting school-readiness for local children.
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 advisors 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.
36 Hubs now operating across England
18 New hubs confirmed
£8,000 Annual value of Labour's 30 funded hours of childcare
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 underinvestment 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.
"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."
— Adam Jogee MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme
"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"
— Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education
