AN out-of-school club has become only the second in the country to be named outstanding.

Ofsted inspectors praised Woodham Burn Infants Out of School Club, which has been open for a year.

The club, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, operates from a classroom in the school and has 58 children of primary school age on its roll.

The day care inspection report said the group provided a rich and stimulating learning environment for children.

It added: "Children have developed sound relationships with adults and peers, they are confident, happy children and talk freely to everyone in the group and visitors."

Inspectors picked out a project on Egypt as an aspect of outstanding practice, which deserved mention.

The report said: "Their concentration in creative activities linked to the topic of Egypt was reflected in their use of reference books and other resources to give the depth of knowledge."

Headteacher Pat Henderson said: "It was always a dream of mine to have an out-of-school club.

"I am absolutely delighted that something that was a dream has come to fruition, not only for providing outstanding care and education opportunities for the children but also for being supportive to working families."

The group, managed by Kendra Green with staff Liz Jones and Nicola Morfoot, is open all year.

There is also a crche and parent and toddlers' group, and it is hoped a nursery will open in September.