ASKHAM GRANGE FAMILY CENTRE TO BE PRESENTED WITH 'STEPS TO QUALITY AWARD'

12.00.00am GMT Mon 23rd Feb 2009

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Children's Services, Councillor Carol Runciman will be presenting Askham Grange Family Centre with the Steps to Quality award on Thursday the 26th of February.

Steps to Quality is the improvement framework which is used by Early Years education and childcare providers such as day nurseries, childminders, Foundation Stage in schools, playgroups and out of school clubs. The scheme aims to boost quality in childcare and early education and improve outcomes for children.

Askham Grange Family Centre offers care for young children from birth to three years, and supports mothers at Askham Grange prison as well as offering places to children from the surrounding community.

Councillor Runciman welcomed the news that the Askham Grange Family Centre has achieved the award. She said, "This is a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme that is only awarded when the highest standards are achieved and the staff work closely together for the benefit of the children.

"I am delighted that the high level skills of the staff have been endorsed in this way and thank them for all their hard work and dedication. This Centre is a very special setting and I am looking forward to meeting everyone and giving them their Steps to Quality Award."