PARENTS in Burnley are celebrating today after the town's childminding network became the first in Lancashire to be named a Children Come First network approved by the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

The network was given the honour after childminders in the scheme achieved the charity's nationally approved standards on the Quality Childminding Charter.

Members, who were were regularly assessed and monitored as part of the scheme, will now officially receive certificates from Burnley's Mayor, councillor Gordon Birtwistle, at an official presentation at Burnley Town Hall on Monday, February 17.

Sue Rae, network co-ordinator, said: "This is a great achievement and means that parents in Burnley now have access to quality assured childminders."

Linda Williams is chair of Lancashire Children First, the organisation responsible for the development and implementation of Lancashire Local Education Authority's Early Years Development and Childcare plan.

She said: "It is vital that we continue to support childminding projects such as achieving network status and providing choice and quality in pre-school education and care.

"It is fantastic that all the funding made available has resulted in this great achievement."

Burnley Childminding Network is organised by New Era Enterprises Ltd, St James Row, Burnley, and works in conjunction with Lancashire Children First, Daneshouse and Stoneyholme Sure Start and the European Regional Development Fund for supporting the project.

Any childminders, parents looking for childcare in Burnley, or anyone just interested in becoming a childminder in Burnley, Pendle or Rossendale, can contact Sue Rae on 01282 450536 for further information.