A HOSPITAL nursery has received an outstanding report from Government inspectors.

The day nursery at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, was visited by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education, in July.

Their report praises the nursery's warm and welcoming environment and the range of well-balanced activities provided to support children's development.

It also comments on the promotion of good health and hygiene, and the way in which parents are made to feel welcome.

The teaching methods help children make good progress towards the early learning goals, the report added.

Following a £324,000 investment, the nursery can accommodate 120 under-fives, making it one of the biggest NHS nurseries.

It is registered to provide full day care for children aged from 14 weeks to seven years.

Margaret Hayden, the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust's childcare co-ordinator, said: "This report demonstrates the hard work and commitment of staff working in the nursery."