CHILDREN and staff at a Chester-le-Street childcare centre are celebrating an outstanding OFSTED result.

Selby Cottage Childcare Centre, run by Durham County Council, was established in 1990 and caters for 135 children up to the age of 16.

The centre, at Close East, was recognised by the education inspectors for its committed staff and its excellent understanding of learning and development needs.

The centre, which was awarded a grading of outstanding across all areas, prides itself on outdoor learning, with the young people regularly enjoying activities in its grounds.

Close East grows vegetables that are cooked in meals for the children, fruit trees provide healthy snacks and hens on site lay fresh eggs that are also used in cookery.

The two to five-year-olds take part in regular woodland adventures, which increases their independence and supports the development of self confidence.

Parents are encouraged to play an active role in the life of the centre and are regularly invited in for Mother’s Day tea, Father’s Day breakfasts and family sing-a-longs.

Acting senior childcare officer Lisa Fenwick said: “We are delighted to receive an outstanding OFSTED result and to be so highly commended is testament to the hard work of staff, children, parents and everyone involved in the day-to-day life of the centre.”

The report states: “Staff are highly motivated and work closely together as a result of the outstanding support they receive from their manager.

“They continually strive for improvement through constant reflection and evaluation of their practice and the detailed monitoring of children's progress.”