A VISION for early learning in Darlington was set out last night.

Councillors of the cabinet committee at Darlington Borough Council heard how a review of the service had shown the town boasts many strengths in early years education and childcare.

The main one is the overall quality of nursery and early years provision. It also found there was a good level of nursery provision in Darlington, and the quality of support for children with special educational needs was also high.

The cabinet was also told children going into primary education were well prepared for their schooling thanks to the positive impact of the early years education.

The cabinet heard that weaknesses were also found, and these included the significantly high costs of the council providing nursery schools.

Another weakness was that some children were not receiving a continuity in their early years.

Some children were attending one or two different nursery schools, going on to different childcare outside nursery hours and then on to a different nursery education venue.

The council wants to improve the quantity and costs of early years learning and increase "wraparound care" so children have more continuity.

However, Gail Bowen, of the education department, said: "At this stage this is very much a vision. We do not have set plans on how best to achieve this, and we will have to do a great deal of consultation before any firm plans are drawn up."