A NURSERY worker has been commended after completing a customised training course for special needs education.

Julie Gowland, of the Pixley Dell Day Nursery, Spennymoor, has been promoted to assistant principal.

She has also been appointed as the nursery's special educational needs co-ordinator (Senco) after completing an in-house learning programme to increase her professional knowledge and expertise in specialist childcare issues.

Overseeing three nursery officers and up to 18 youngsters aged from three months to five years in the Early Years Unit, the 26-year-old from Trimdon Village is now successfully trained in areas including disability and epilepsy awareness.

Having more than eight years' experience within the childcare industry and professional qualifications, including NVQ level three in childcare and education, she has been awarded a certificate of achievement after completing the dedicated Senco course.

She said: "Pixley Dell Day Nursery regularly puts staff through customised training programmes and has always placed great emphasis on staff development.

"This was one of the more specialist courses which have been delivered recently, and to successfully complete it was very rewarding.

"As special educational needs co-ordinator I will now be responsible for organising and overseeing educational activities and curriculum-based projects, and this is something which I am greatly looking forward to."

Pixley Dell Day Nursery caters for up to 43 young children aged from three months to five years.

Anyone wanting further information on facilities or places available can contact Leah on (01388) 816299.