Northern Lights Little Stars Early Years Stronger Practice Hub North East
The Northern Lights Little Stars Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is part of the Department for Education's national network of Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs. Our aim is to support the continuous improvement of early years practice by helping practitioners, leaders, nurseries, schools, pre-schools and childminders access evidence-informed approaches that improve outcomes for young children.
We are committed to helping all children receive the best possible start in life through high-quality early education and care.
Lead Setting and Partners
Lead setting: Tilery Primary School, Stockton-on-Tees
Partners:
- Linthorpe Community Primary School
- Rosedene Sunrise
- Helaina’s Happy Hedgehogs (childminder)
Areas We Serve
The Northern Lights Little Stars Early Years Stronger Practice Hub supports providers across:
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Middlesbrough
- Redcar and Cleveland
We work with all types of early years provision, including:
- Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) settings
- School-based nurseries
- Nursery schools
- Reception classes
- Childminders
- Early Years practitioners and leaders
Our Vision
To build a connected and confident early years workforce that is equipped with the knowledge, skills and support needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed practice for every child.
What We Do
Our hub provides a range of professional development opportunities, resources and support designed to strengthen practice across the early years sector.
Through collaboration and partnership working, we:
- Share evidence-informed approaches that improve children's learning and development
- Promote effective teaching and learning strategies
- Support leadership development
- Facilitate professional networks and peer-to-peer learning
- Improve workforce knowledge, skills and confidence
- Help reduce inequalities in outcomes for children
- Connect practitioners with the latest research and best practice
Learning Leads
Our Learning Leads are experienced early years professionals who support the delivery of professional development across the region.
They:
- Deliver high-quality training and workshops
- Lead communities of practice and professional networks
- Share evidence-informed approaches
- Model effective teaching and learning strategies
- Support practitioners to implement and embed new approaches within their settings
Learning Leads play a key role in helping providers turn research into practice and achieve sustainable improvements.
Stronger Practice Advisors
Our Stronger Practice Advisors provide targeted support to early years settings and childminders looking to develop specific areas of practice.
They work alongside practitioners to:
- Identify strengths and areas for development
- Support implementation of evidence-informed approaches
- Signpost resources and professional development opportunities
- Facilitate reflective practice
- Encourage continuous quality improvement
This support is collaborative, practical and tailored to the needs of individual settings.