WITH children at the heart of the school, Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School is the winner of our Early Years Award.

This mainstream nursery with a special designated provision for children with additional needs offers the best support and guidance, with all staff going above and beyond for the children.

In their nominations, parents shared personal stories of how they feel their children are in good hands and how youngsters are learning and developing in the most effective way at Sandy Lane.

They say that Sandy Lane staff deserve to be celebrated as they are “polite, friendly, caring, loving and generally love their work”.

Head teacher Marcia Atherton (left) and governor Maureen Banner

Head teacher Marcia Atherton (left) and governor Maureen Banner

One nomination said: “It would be lovely to have such a wonderful setting acknowledged for the staff’s hard work and dedication.”

Another nomination said: “Inclusion is very much at the heart of Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School.

“While the children are based in different classrooms, they have regular opportunities to learn together, building tolerance of difference, developing friendships and embracing the skills and talents of each other as individuals.”

WATCH: Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School wins our Early Years Award

Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School provides lessons for mainstream students, as well as children with a SEND provision.

Children have regular opportunities to learn together, building tolerance of difference, developing friendships and embracing the skills and talents of each other as individuals

Children have regular opportunities to learn together, building tolerance of difference, developing friendships and embracing the skills and talents of each other as individuals

Head teacher Marcia Atherton said: “We are delighted to have achieved this award and grateful to those who nominated us, for recognising the hard work and commitment of everyone to provide the very best experiences for our children.

“All our staff are passionate about offering children the highest quality education and care, providing them with a lifelong love of learning.

“We recognise that attending our nursery may be many children and parents’ first experience of school and our friendly, nurturing staff always go the extra mile to ensure we support our families, making them feel welcome and enabling each child to feel safe and excited about their learning, empowering them to reach their full potential.

“Receiving this award recognises the efforts of everyone in our Sandy Lane family to achieve this.”