Oaklands Nursery School has been selected to join a national network of experts providing guidance to early years educators in their regions.

The government’s Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs bring together the leading nurseries and childminders across England to share proven approaches to early years education.

Funded by the Department for Education and part of its Best Start in Life Strategy, the aim of the scheme is to support educators and improve the quality of early years provision.

Oaklands Nursery School, which is Ofsted ‘outstanding’, will advise early years providers, including childminders and schools, in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Shropshire to enhance outcomes for children.

Sally Lynch, Headteacher, Oaklands Nursery School, said: “Children’s earliest years have a profound impact on the rest of their life affecting their learning, health and wellbeing. That’s why the quality of early years settings is so important.”

She added: “We are incredibly proud to have been selected as an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub. This is a significant achievement and testament to our staff and the quality of practice across our school. We look forward to supporting educators across the sector.”

Based in Porthill, Newcastle-under-Lyme and an associate member of The Societas Trust, Oaklands Nursery School is one of 36 hubs nationally. Its hub status was confirmed by the Department for Education in June 2026.

The hubs have specialist advisors and teachers in early language, maths, and personal, social and emotional development, and deliver tailored training.

The support that they provide includes:

1.  highlighting training and tools that reflect the latest, evidence-informed research and best practices in early          childhood education, ensuring that staff feel confident and equipped to meet the diverse needs of children and families.
2. encouraging equity and inclusion by helping settings identify and address barriers to learning so that every child can achieve their best, particularly those with socio-economic disadvantage.
3. fostering a culture of continuous improvement where early years professionals are supported to reflect on their practice, share insights and grow together as a community.
4. helping practitioners make informed decisions that nurture each child’s curiosity, confidence and wellbeing.

Jon Lovatt, Chief Executive Officer, The Societas Trust, added: “We are immensely proud of our partnership with Oaklands Nursery School and glad to have been part of the successful bid for the school to become an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.”