Care and staff at Killin and Crianlarich‘very good’

An unannounced inspection at Killin and Crianlarich Nursery found the quality of care and support and staffing to be ‘very good’.

The nursery, situated in the old schoolhouse next to the primary in Crianlarich, has 16 places available each weekday in term time for children from birth to pre-primary school.

Inspectors visited on November 22 and found staff had a ‘gentle, kind manner’ toward the children, working closely with parents and sharing information regularly.

One of the key findings in the inspection report was that the nursery’s daily balance of indoor and outdoor play and rest was very good for children’s all round wellbeing and development, with a focus on children’s personal care and learning needs.

Staff were also seen to actively encourage positive behaviour in children, setting a ‘very good example through their own interactions’ by communicating respectfully and behaving considerately.

New staff are being given more time to learn essential information and policies promoting children’s health wellbeing and safety, helping to ensure children are receiving care to current practice standards. Regular discussion by management with new staff helped to maintain a high level of support.

The inspectors said: “Seven parents gave us feedback through our questionnaires and we spoke with two parents whose children were just starting nursery.

“Everyone’s feedback was very positive about the care and support their child received and about how the staff team communicated with them and involved them in plans for their child.

“One person commented they would like staff to take the children out more into the local community.

“They suggested they could access places in the countryside like farms, places of interest and amenities further afield like the theatre.

“We asked the management team to give these ideas further consideration.

“We noted that while there were natural resources for the under threes age group to explore - stones, shells and wood there was still a significant amount of man-made items in the messy play room including playdough tools and water play items.

“We suggested staff might want to achieve a better balance of natural and man-made resources and, in doing so, reflect better the rural location the children belong to.

“We observed some very good child centred interaction by senior staff as children were finishing their lunch and moving on to other activities.

“Conversation was of a high quality and the atmosphere and the children became noticeably calm as a result.

“Such practice would be helpful for less experienced staff to observe and reflect on for their own development.”

Parents and children at the nursery last February successfully challenged Stirling Council costcutting proposals to remove the head teacher and put a school head teacher in charge.

Head of Crianlarich Nursery, Elizabeth Hancock said: “We are extremely pleased that this report acknowledges the commitment of staff in providing children with high quality learning experiences.

“Partnerships with families are strong which supports children in their development and learning.

“My thanks to a dedicated staff team who continue to build on their professional development and are committed to ensuring that all children receive care.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart has submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament applauding the nursery on its positive ratings.