THE North-East will become the first region in the country to develop a new programme of excellence for childcare.

The scheme has been formed by Bishop Auckland College, North Tyneside College and Stockton Riverside College.

The colleges have signed up to the Learning and Skills Council's national Centre of Vocational Excellence development programme in playwork and early years childcare provision.

They have vast experience in delivering childcare training, and will provide training tailored to the needs of the sector.

Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Children, Young People and Families, said: "Making sure we have excellent training facilities to increase the number of people working in childcare and to meet the needs of the fast-growing childcare industry remains at the heart of the Government's agenda.

"I am delighted that the efforts of the North-East to increase the childcare workforce have officially been recognised with a collaborative Centre of Vocational Excellence for childcare."