northerncare has been honoured by Ofsted in a celebratory event at The Tower Hotel, London on the 31st March 2009, which recognised outstanding childcare providers in England.

Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, praised northerncare, alongside other childcare providers, in the annual list of outstanding providers published by Ofsted, as having shown an excellent quality of care and education across the full range of their work to support children in their development.

Hosting the celebration, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector recognised the determination, ambition and commitment it takes to become an outstanding childcare provider.

As part of her address to the attendees, the Chief Inspector said, "I wholeheartedly congratulate the managers and childcare staff on their success and hard work in delivering such an excellent standard of care and education. Outstanding childcare providers have the commitment and creativity to inspire staff, children and the communities they serve. Outstanding childcare providers show what can be achieved with aspiration and determination.”

Childcare providers that appear on the Outstanding Providers list 2007/08 receive commemorative certificates and are authorised to use an exclusive “outstanding provider” logo.

northerncare’s homes The Birches, Oakwood, The Limes, Piers House, Pennsylvania House and The Cedars were represented at the event by David Rae (Chief Executive), Steven Cardwell (Service Manager) and Michael Swarbrick (Home Manager).

David Rae said, “We were delighted to acknowledge our quality homes and it was great to share best practice with the limited number of outstanding children’s homes across the country.”