SIX childcare groups have secured quality accreditation thanks to a partnership's support.

Following 18 months of preparation, assessment and verification, Concord, Thorney Close and Thompson Park nurseries, and Pennywell Early Years Centre have been recognised through the National Day Nurseries Association's Quality Counts accreditation scheme.

In addition, Noah's Ark Creche, in Thorney Close, and the Hive Creche, in Houghton-le-Spring, have completed the Pre-School Learning Alliance's Aiming for Quality accreditation scheme.

Both schemes recognise childcare settings that are successful in developing, encouraging and maintaining high standards in child care and early years education, for the benefit of children, parents and the local community.

The nurseries received help in completing them from Sunderland's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

A total of 12 childcare providers in Wearside have successfully completed national quality assurance schemes, and a further 24 are working towards completing them.