A BELLINGHAM -BASED childcare group has been given a resounding 10 out of 10 for the way it looks after children for the first five years of their lives.

North Tynies Childcare marked 10 years of providing successful high quality and affordable childcare, and early years education with a street party in the village.

Neighbourhood Nursery money was used to fill a gap in childcare provision in the North Tyne and Redesdale to complement the few excellent childminders in the area to support families in their quest to return to work.

The playgroups and pre-schools in Greenhaugh, Wark, West Woodburn, Otterburn and Bellingham itself supported the idea of joining together to provide a comprehensive childcare and early education service to all families whilst guaranteeing sustainability through sharing costs, staff, funding opportunities and resources.

As a result the charitable organisation North Tynies Childcare was founded in 2005 delivering creative childcare through a unique ‘hub and spokes’ model in a deeply rural environment.

As well as running the local pre-schools, North Tynies has grown to a 50 place childcare hub in Bellingham, which runs the Sure Start Children’s Centre services for 400 square miles, works closely with school reception classes and health partners and has a string of ‘good’ Ofsted judgments.

Last week the children were sponsored to complete 10 challenges which they achieved with their usual enthusiasm! The week ended with a ‘street party’ celebration for all children, families, staff, volunteer management committee and invited guests.

Manager Jenni Holland took the opportunity to say thank you for all the support North Tynies has received over the years.