CRECHE AND PLAY IS OKAY
Praise in Care Inspectorate report
Stirling Council’s crèche and play programmes have been lauded in a report by the Care Inspectorate.
The service provides care and support to children – from birth to the age of 14 – and families at a number of sites in the area.
Programmes offered include crèche facilities, play schemes and family learning opportunities.
The Care Inspectorate graded the service’s ‘quality of care’ and ‘support and quality of staffing’ as ‘very good’ following the unannounced inspection on September 25.
Their report stated: “The individualised, responsive and respectful care routines which children experienced in the crèche meant they settled quickly and built positive and trusting relationships with staff.
“These relationships were further supported by the nurturing and caring interactions staff had with children, recognising each child’s needs, wishes and choices and respecting families as experts in their own experiences.
“Staff worked hard to understand each child and their unique circumstances to ensure the care they offered was tailored to support each child to achieve their potential and help families get the most out of life.
“As a result of this practice, children and families were building confidence and self-esteem and parents were highly satisfied and very appreciative of the support the service offered them.”
Inspectors added that the service worked well with other organisations, ensuring consistency and continuity in the care and support of children and families, and they also praised the effectiveness of the newly-formed staff team in delivering changes in the service.
Team leader Susan West said: “As a service with a strong ethos of play in all aspects of our work, we aspire to ensure children receive a highquality service which is tailored to each child’s unique needs and circumstances and supports them to feel nurtured and secure within the play environments we provide.”
The Care Inspectorate also received positive feedback on the service and staff from children and families.
Children and young people committee convener Councillor Susan McGill said: “By creating a secure and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe, supported and nurtured, the service is delivering positive outcomes for children and families in the area.”
Tory education spokesperson Councillor Bryan Flannagan added: “Across the entire Stirling area we want to see high quality, flexible services being available to parents and carers provided by the council, voluntary organisations and private businesses all working together productively.”