A SCHOOL nursery is celebrating after being awarded an education quality mark following five years of hard work.

Staff at the nursery at St Mary’s RC School, in Bacup, completed eight modules that looked at all aspects of learning to earn the Lancashire Quality Award.

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The scheme was started by Lancashire County Council’s Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare Services as a quality scheme to help all childcare providers demonstrate best practice.

Nursery teacher Bev Lewis said: “We had to examine our practice on eight different modules, from management and business, outdoor provision to meeting everyone’s needs, including special needs, celebrations and our indoor environment.

“Before undertaking each module, we reflected on our current practice, looking in detail at what we were doing and what we wanted to achieve and then implemented changes to achieve our goals.

“Our mentor then assessed and verified the progress we had made on each module.

“All staff in the nursery have been involved in achieving the award.

“It has been a worthwhile journey as it has made us reflect on what we do in the nursery and we now provide a quality setting with highly qualified staff.

“The award is an ongoing process and we will be reassessed in two years’ time.”

The nursery offers free 15-hour places for three and four-years-olds. Parents can also pay for extra sessions in addition to their 15 free hours.

Mrs Lewis, who has worked at St Mary’s Nursery for more than 15 years, said nursery teaching had changed substantially over the years.

“When I started, it was very regimented and all the children did the same activity at the same time,” she said.

“Now everything is child-centred and the children can select their own resources from the different areas in the nursery.

“As well as choosing what to play with, they are also encouraged to tidy up after themselves.

“Activities are planned in response to the children’s own interests and needs.

“When they leave nursery, they are confident, independent and ready to start school.”

The LQA plaque is on display in the school foyer.