Ofsted gives top markks to early years nursery service.

Stockton's SureStart is flying high.

Alongside celebrating news of a glowing government inspection at three of its day care nurseries, its newly opened family centre in Thornaby is thriving.

SureStart Stockton's first programme was launched in 2000.

Based in Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre it provided a comprehensive community based programme of early intervention and family support.

It has since expanded across the borough with five programmes covering the wards of Hardwick, Mile House and Roseworth; Newtown, Portrack and Tilery, Mandale Village and Stainsby and Parkfield and Victoria and Billingham.

Providing the best possible start in life for children by supporting healthy development and early education remains its key priority.

In 2003 Stockton Council's early years and childcare service merged with SureStart local programmes to become SureStart Stockton-on-Tees, and services have continued to target disadvantaged areas.

Each programme area also boasts a day care nursery where high quality childcare and education is offered.

Three of these Stepping Stones nurseries, located in the heart of the communities they serve, recently received a 'Good' rating in Ofsted - Office for Standards in Education - inspections.

Staff at Ochill Terrace in Billingham, Bath Lane in Stockton and Redhill Road in Roseworth are still celebrating the news.

Judy Walker, quality assurance manager for SureStart Stockton, said: "The outcome of this, our first Ofsted Inspection, is very much down to the commitment and hard work of all of our staff.

"The last six months have seen our nurseries grow and develop. They are in high demand with parents who recognise and acknowledge the quality care and education we provide, in purpose built, well resourced day nurseries."

Inspections are expected to be carried out shortly at its nurseries in Thornaby's Gilmour Road and Tedder Avenue.

SureStart provides a range of services in relation to childcare provision, child development, and parenting skills and support.

It also offers support and information on teenage pregnancy, sex and relationship education, and specialist services for young people who need extra help.

Employment training and support is also high on SureStart's agenda, with the family centre on Thornaby's Baysedale Road reflecting its dedication.

The town had a long-established community and resource centre which, with SureStart's help, has been improved to provide a range of services for families.

Andrew Thomas, service strategy manager with SureStart Stockton, said: "Supported by the parents on the management board activities at the centre were tailored to include the things that mattered most to parents.

"As a result, hairdressing and nail art services were provided. Many parents found it difficult to access these services in town centres due to the lack of childcare. The family centre allows the parents the option of having these services in the community where childcare is readily available."

Parentcraft courses are also proving to be extremely successful, not just with existing parents, but parents to be, with an average of 20 parents attending each session.

Most importantly, the shaping of these services is through the management boards to ensure that parents' views lie at the heart of SureStart.

Mr Thomas continued: "The centre currently sees the families of 65 children per week with the majority attending daily play sessions and its popularity continues to grow.

"The current smoking cessation course has between 40 and 50 parents attending each session and it has proven so successful that additional courses are needed to meet demand.

"The centre shows the value of SureStart in providing services for families in the heart of the community, in a friendly environment, where parents can share there experiences and offer support to each other."