A North-East university's nurseries have been named among the best in the country.
In a thorough assessment of daycare provision, the University of Sunderland's St Mary's and Gorse House nurseries have been given a Quality Counts kitemarks by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).
The nurseries, which provide full and part-time care for children aged from three months to five years, were two of only 24 nurseries in the country to be given the award.
The kitemark, which acts as an indicator of the highest quality of provision, is the only assurance scheme specific to the day nursery sector in the UK.
NDNA assessors tested the quality of provision in the nurseries in 16 areas - from management, staff, environment and the curriculum, through to food. Both passed each section.
Bev Oughtred, childcare manager for both nurseries, said: "For one of the university's nurseries to be awarded a kitemark is a great achievement.
"For both to receive one is fantastic."
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