OFSTED'S new childcare inspection service, which will cover Bury and other areas throughout the North West, was officially launched in Manchester.

Her Majesty's chief inspector Mike Tomlinson joined forces with young children from across Greater Manchester.

It marked the launch of the OFSTED early years inspection service which extends the work of the school's watchdog to include inspection of childminders, creches, full and sessional day care and out of school care.

The North West regional centre, one of eight in the country, will operate from a base in Manchester. It will form part of a national service in England previously carried out by 150 separate local authorities which aims to improve the coherence and consistency within which childminders, playgroups and private nurseries work.

Under the Care Standards Act 2000, childcare providers must be registered by OFSTED and meet the new national standards published by the Department for Education and Skills.

Mr Tomlinson said: "We are delighted to welcome all new staff to OFSTED's early years directorate.

"Their expertise is vital as OFSTED takes on this important new role of ensuring the safety of young children through registration and inspection.

"Parents need to know that their children are well cared for and that they will be provided with activities which promote their personal development and learning."

He stressed: "These new responsibilities will present challenges which OFSTED is determined to meet. Good quality childcare is vitally important."