THE first childcare providers to pass Stockton Borough Council's new quality assurance scheme have been presented with certificates for their achievements.

Nine childcare providers, including childminders, day nurseries and holiday clubs, have worked through the first module to take the first step in gaining the Stockton-on-Tees Quality Kite-mark.

The scheme is run by the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership in the town.

The childcare providers are: Teddy Bears Nursery, in Thornaby; Tiny Tears Nursery, Hartburn; Thornaby Pavilion Playgroup; Smash Childcare Services, at Norton and Billingham; and childminders Jenny Dowson, Ruth Lince and Karen Duffy.