Top marks for nursery

Arnprior earns praise

A rural nursery has been awarded top marks in a school inspection report.

Stirling Council-run Arnprior nursery, whose catchment area includes Kippen, Buchlyvie, Gargunnock and Port of Menteith– was marked as excellent for its quality of care and support and quality of environment.

Comments from parents, carers and other professionals supported the findings that communication with staff was excellent, with one of the main benefits being that support was consistent, helping children to have meaningful structure to their day.

The inspection report said: “A key strength of the service is they work in partnership with parents to develop a learning plan that challenged and supported their child.

“The learning plan ensured the child and parents’ aspirations were clearly recorded.

“Parents and those involved in the service told us there were strong, caring relationships between staff, parents/carers and these supported children to be challenged to support their overall wellbeing.

“We could see many examples that children were happy, engaged and learning.

“An excellent example of this took place during lunch time, children and staff sitting together and chatting and making real friendships.

“The overwhelming positive responses provided by those involved in the service highlighted that children and families benefited significantly from the excellent service provided.”

One parent said: “We are always consulted and what is best for our child has always been at the heart of decision-making in conjunction with the necessary relevant professionals.”

Another added: “As a parent I feel the staff really know my child and go above and beyond to provide an individual learning experience.”

Irene McPherson is acting head of Arnprior Nursery, which has links with another council nursery at Croftamie.

Arnprior Nursery is registered to provide a service to a maximum of 42 children and to a maximum of 32 primary school children during school holiday periods.