Twinkling Stars is officially world class

WORLD CLASS . . . Saddleworth Stars pick up their award

Saddleworth Stars Nursery in Scouthead is officially the best nursery in the world.

The National Day Nurseries Association judges' decision was unanimous at the Nursery Of The Year awards last week.

Saddleworth Stars beat hundreds of nurseries from the North of the UK before going on to conquer the "best of the best" nurseries from around the world to win the Overall Nursery Of The Year 2017.

Thousands of day nurseries from the UK and overseas are members of the National Day Nursery Association.

The competition process started months ago based on votes from parents, along with comments regarding their experience at nursery and how well they feel their children are cared for.

After being shortlisted as a finalist, the NDNA sent an inspector to the nursery to watch the team at work before providing a report to the international judging panel.

Tough competition from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, England, Scotland, Wales and other areas proved no match for the outstanding Saddleworth Stars, as all the judges agreed Stars really shine brighter in Saddleworth.

Nursery manager Kim Ratcliffe moved to Oldham and joined Saddleworth Stars in 2016 after hearing about the high level of care at the industry-leading nursery.

She said: "I am so proud to be part of the Saddleworth Stars family. When I first met owners, Tory and Rafael Fernandez, I realised their vision for childcare made Saddleworth Stars a truly special place where the children would always come first.

"Every child in our care is respected as an individual and our lives are dedicated to making each day at the nursery fun, safe, exciting and full of happiness."

Tory Fernandez added: "Winning this award has been an overwhelmingly emotional time.

"We try our best to make our nursery a place of joy and happiness for the children so to be recognised by NDNA is amazing."

The nursery, on Huddersfield Road, has also been recognised with an Inclusion Quality Mark and given the IQM award for its inclusive care - this award was raised to the level of Centre Of Excellence to properly acknowledge its standards.

And only a few weeks ago an Ofsted inspector classed the nursery as "outstanding in all areas".

Saddleworth Stars is also the only nursery in the area to be awarded Millie's Mark, which recognises that all staff members are properly trained in paediatric first aid.

The Overall Nursery Of The Year Award was presented at Old Trafford by TV's Johnny Ball who said: "Saddleworth Stars impressed with its focus on each child's individuality, strong links with the community, parent partnerships, attitude towards diversity, imaginative story-scribing and magical garden area."

An NDNA spokesman said Saddleworth Stars is a "place of happiness and enjoyment for all with lots and lots of laughter".

Tory and Rafael, who have three young children, began Saddleworth Stars in May 2014 with a plan to create "the perfect nursery" where every child would enjoy attending and every parent would feel confident.