EASTRIGGS Nursery has been hailed by inspectors.
It comes following an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate last month.
The nursery – which is at the primary school – received four “very good” grades, the second highest possible. This was for its care, play and learning; setting; leadership and staff team.
Key messages from inspectors included:
Children were happy, settled, and secure at the service.
Management and staff were knowledgeable about each child’s needs.
Staff were enthusiastic about delivering the best outcomes to children and families.
Children benefitted from connections to their local community.
The management team and staff worked very well together to create a culture of shared responsibility.
Staff were highly skilled in ensuring positive outcomes for children.
The report read: “We observed children who were happy and engaged in leading their own play and learning, with support from staff when needed.
“The setting was extremely comfortable and welcoming with plenty of natural light and ventilation.
“Furnishings were of a high standard. Children had ample space to play and explore their surroundings.
“We observed children enjoying a story in the quiet area, which was furnished with a comfortable chair and cushions. This gave children a sense that they mattered.
“Throughout the inspection, management and staff engaged well and responded to advice and encouragement when suggestions were made. We found good relationships within the team, and management and staff were committed to the development of the service.
“The team worked well together to establish a shared vision to deliver the best outcomes for children and families. As a result, they were well placed to continually develop the service.
“The staff team were warm, welcoming, and caring. This promoted a positive environment for children and families. The nursery was appropriately staffed, and staff were suitably deployed throughout the day to meet children’s needs.
“Throughout the service, there was a focus on the children as individuals; this ensured that individuals’ needs were consistently met. Staff worked well as a team, and their different skills and knowledge complemented each other.
“This resulted in positive interactions with the children. Parents told us about the positive aspects of children’s experiences in the service, saying ‘the staff are absolutely fantastic – consistently welcoming, happy, engaging and highly approachable.’”
