A NEW service for children and their parents in and around Coundon will be launched next month.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman will officially open the new childcare services, run by Coundon and Leeholme Early Years Centre.

The organisation, based at Coundon Sure Start Children's Centre, in Victoria Lane, will offer care throughout the day, providing people in Coundon, Leeholme and the surrounding areas early years education, childcare and health and family support under one roof.

Childcare will be available from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, with morning, afternoon and full day sessions for up to 38 children from birth to aged five.

The opening will take place at the centre next Monday, at 10am.

The group is registered with the Office for Standards in Education and will work within the guidance of the National Standards for Full Day Care.

Childcare manager Anne- Marie Pemberton said: "We were keen to ensure the highest possible standards of care are available by recruiting childcare practitioners carefully selected for their qualifications, experience and skills.

"The staff are friendly and approachable, committed to personal and professional development and are local, so understand the needs of parents in the area."

From next Monday, an induction week begins, which will allow parents to take along their children for a free two-hour session so they can settle in and get to know staff.

Ms Pemberton added: "We hope parents will contact us to pre-register and give their little ones a chance to settle and access a high-quality service on their doorstep."

Parents can book extended integrated childcare sessions for three to five-year-olds, which fit around morning and afternoon early education sessions, offering parents added flexibility.

Ms Goodman said: "I am delighted to have the honour of opening what promises to be a fantastic service for parents with young children in the area.

"It is important that highquality services are available to parents.

"The launch of this childcare business will complement the excellent work already being done by the Sure Start team here in Coundon."

To find out more about the childcare and the induction week at Coundon and Leeholme Early Years Centre, call 01388- 660365.