A NURSERY in Sunderland has been singled out by the Government as a shining example of good practice.

The Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Estelle Morris, has included Pennywell Early Years Centre in its Early Excellence Centre programme.

The programme recognises high standards of nursery education and the services provided to children and parents and requires the nursery to pass on its good practice to other organisations.

The success will mean the nursery receives more funding for services.