THE hospital’s staff nursery has reopened 18 months for a “fresh new start” after it was shut down over safeguarding issues.

Tops Day Nurseries, formerly Toy Box Day Nursery, has opened its doors to children of hospital staff and non-hospital staff who work shifts.

It was closed by education watchdog Ofsted in June 2016 over safeguarding issues and “to allow time for the circumstances to be investigated and for steps to be taken to minimise or eliminate the risk of harm”.

The nursery at Odstock was officially reopened by Salisbury MP John Glen, joined by deputy mayor Michael Osment.

Mr Glen said: “I congratulate Tops Day Nurseries on the exciting innovations they have brought to the nursery at Odstock Hospital, offering outstanding facilities for both hospital staff and the local community.

“The government has put a lot of funding into ensuring childcare is available, so it is great to see this is complimented with high quality childcare providers such as Tops Day Nurseries.

“Tops Salisbury is an excellent provision and one that parents should have confidence in.”

Managing director of Tops Day Nurseries Cheryl Hadland said: “We are so pleased to be offering a fresh new start to this nursery, with newly refurbished rooms and some lovely new equipment, and also some familiar and long standing staff amongst the team of caring professionals ready to teach and care for local children and toddlers.

“Investment in the early years is the best investment this country can make.”

The nursery will be open between 6am and 8pm for parents who work shift hours and need flexibility.

Visit topsdaynurseries.co.uk or call 01202 551553.