A PRESENTATION ceremony is to be held for childcare providers in Darlington who are a step closer to completing an excellence award.

Darlington Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) has announced that 14 childcare providers have completed the first phase of the Darlington Quality Kitemark Award.

The kitemark is a quality assurance programme developed by practitioners working in a wide range of early years and childcare settings across Darlington.

The scheme was set up to enable childcare providers to continually review, evaluate and improve their practices. The kitemark comprises eight individual modules and when completed a provider will receive a plaque and be able to use the logo on publicity material.

Darlington Mayor Doris Jones will present certificates to successful carers at the town hall next Tuesday.