Couple launch UK's first hospital pre-school in Southampton in memory of late daughter

Piggles Trust, founded by Test Valley couple Caroline and Edward Martin, aims to provide early years education to young patients nationwide.

Now, in partnership with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust's nursery provider, Taplins, the charity has funded the first nursery nurse across the NHS.

Despite it being an important stage for learning and development, there had been no educational facility for children aged two-five-years-old while in hospital.

Caroline said: "Through activities, children benefit from the teaching that they would have been receiving in their own pre-school environments if they were not confined to hospital for long periods.

"Parents have been delighted that their children, who have not been able to attend pre-school in the community due to their health conditions, can feel part of a pre-school environment and value in the learning that it provides."

Although not a legal requirement, nursery education forms part of a child's development and is recognised nationally, with up to 30 hours a week provided free by the government for those aged three and four.

The cost of providing a nursery nurse for a year is £24,000, and is paid for through Piggles Trust Southampton, a fund of Southampton Children's Hospital Charity.

Dr Peter Wilson, divisional clinical director for women at the Trust, said: "We are proud to be the first UK hospital to be part of the work that Piggles Trust and Taplins are delivering.

"Ensuring the overall development of children during their admissions remains a key focus alongside their clinical needs, so being able to offer this service is crucial."

Anne Rixon, senior nursery manager for Taplins, added: "We are extremely proud of the early years education we provide for children who are inpatients at Southampton Children's Hospital and this groundbreaking project is extremely exciting.

"This model can be replicated across the country."