Nursery school in the running for national award

Sue Stokoe, centre, with staff and pupils at Boldon Outdoor Nursery.

Boldon Outdoor Nursery School has been shortlisted for the Times Education Supplement’s (TES) Early Years Setting of the Year Award 2016.

No matter what the weather, the children at the nursery can be found wrapped up and playing outdoors if they want to, an approach which has impressed TES judges.

Staff from the school will be travelling to London next month for a glittering ceremony to see if they can scoop the coveted prize.

Sue Stokoe, headteacher at the Reginald Street nursery, said they were all thrilled with the news.

She said: “This amazing achievement reflects the enormous efforts of the extremely-dedicated team at Boldon Nursery School.

“The team strives constantly to create a unique and innovative approach to early learning that celebrates children and their childhood, promotes a connection with nature and the environment, and supports children and families to have a love and respect for their world, which is their future. We are very excited to have been shortlisted for this award.

“The award ceremony is to be held at the Grosvenor House hotel in London on June 24.

Our parents are so proud of what we have achieved, as a community together here at Boldon.

“Our journey has been a long and very rewarding one.

“The nursery now has a national and international spotlight on it for its innovative practice.”

In a letter to Mrs Stokoe, Ann Mroz, editor of the TES, said: “It promises to be a spectacular event with more than 700 guests expected to attend, including Government ministers and many of the great and good from the education sector.

“Congratulations on your success and I look forward to welcoming you on the evening.”

Last year Boldon Outdoor Nursery School was rated as outstanding by Ofsted for the second time.

Inspectors said: “The inspirational and forward-thinking headteacher inspires a highly-effective staff who ensure that all children are provided with rich and interesting learning experiences.

“Children make rapid and sustained progress from starting points below those typical for their age.”