But `lack of interest’ in Daily Mile
Croftamie Nursery has received a glowing report following an unannounced inspection in July.
The Stirling Council-run nursery, near Drymen, provides care for up to 32 pre-school children at any one time, from the age of two.
The Care Inspectorate graded as ‘excellent’ its quality of care and support and its quality of management and leadership as ‘very good’.
Investigators stated: “There is a warm, safe and inclusive ethos. Direct and purposeful interactions between parents and staff resulted in partnership working to enable children to achieve.
“The extremely motivated core staff team had built strong attachments with children and trusting relationships with parents.
“Staff listened carefully to the views of families and this impacted very positively on how the service improved.
“Community spirit was evident through evidence of family triathlons to raise funds, and all children past and present coming to the nursery’s 20th birthday celebrations.”
Systems to identify and ensure children’s needs were met were described as “exceptional” and children were said to be at the heart of all planning. They were recognised as “capable and responsible” and were developing a love of learning and nature through play experiences.
All parents who completed a questionnaire from inspectors either ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that overall they were happy with the quality of care provided.
One said: “This is a fantastic nursery which provides a great space for my child to grow and develop. They have maximised the outdoor spaces into learning and play and active opportunities. In particular the chickens, vegetable plot, and running track.
“My child’s keyworker is great and I am confident that any concerns or ideas regarding their learning are listened to. All the staff have genuine interest in encouraging the children and provide a happy environment.”
The inspectors added that there were signs of improvement to the learning environment in many areas indoors and outdoors and interactions between children, families and staff in the service were warm and nurturing.
Among suggestions put forward by the inspectors were that the daily-mile health initiative, popular in schools across the area, be evaluated, adding: “Outcomes were not yet being measured in relation to children’s views about this. This particular aspect of the children’s day was not in keeping with free-flow and the choice that children had for the rest of the day, and also some children showed a lack of interest.
“We advised assessing the children’s benefit, enjoyment and preferences over time to enable the team to decide on the best way of promoting active and healthy lifestyles.”
Principal early childhood educator at Croftamie Nursery, Kim McLaren said: “Our vision is that all children should be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society. By continuing to build positive partnerships with parents, we will continue to deliver the best outcomes for children and families.”
Stirling Council’s children and young people convener Councillor Susan McGill added: “The professionalism, passion and openness of staff has created a safe and enriching learning environment for children to achieve their potential.”
Forth and Endrick Tory councillor Alistair Berril said: “I hope the experiences of our most successful nurseries continue to be shared around the council area.”