High praise for Abernethy Primary School nursery from education inspectors
A Strathspey nursery headteacher has said he is ‘super proud’ of staff and the children after the facility won great plaudits from inspectors.
Abernethy Primary School nursery received four (good) and five (very good) ratings across the board from the Care Inspectorate in the findings just released.
The nursery is registered to provide a care service for up to 20 children in age from three years to those not yet attending primary school.
The unannounced inspection took place on November 13.
School and nursery headteacher Chris Scrase said: “We are so pleased that our nursery has had a successful inspection from the Care Inspectorate.
“The hard work, commitment and caring nature the staff show to the children on a daily basis has not gone unnoticed.
“We are super proud of the report and it has been very much a team effort that has contributed to this very positive outcome.
The key findings were:
• Children experienced genuine warmth, caring and nurturing approaches to support their wellbeing.
• Staff extended learning though skilled conversation, supporting developing literacy, communication and numeracy skills.
• There was a strong emphasis on outdoor play, which supported children's overall health and wellbeing.
• Staff enabled children to identify and address risk for themselves, supporting them to push their own boundaries and develop their resilience as they played outside.
• Children, families, and staff benefited from a committed management team, which contributed to a positive ethos.
• Staff were kind, caring, and enthusiastic and, as a result, children felt valued and loved.
The care, play and learning was deemed good as was the facility’s setting.
But the strongest aspect of the nursery was the leadership and staff team which were both rated very good.
The report stated: “Staff took time to get to know children with a focus on building positive relationships.
“Children were supported to make choices as staff were attuned to their routines and what was important to them.
“Children were nurtured as they experienced caring, responsive, and compassionate interactions which supported their wellbeing.
“They were offered comfort, cuddles and reassurance which helped them to feel loved.
“This contributed to children feeling safe and secure and as a result all children were confident, happy and engaged in their play experiences.”
Inspectors were full of praise for the staff stating in the report: “Staff were kind, caring, and enthusiastic.
“They demonstrated a high level of motivation in relation to supporting children to have positive experiences.”
Parents were equally enthusiastic and told the inspectors: "The team here do an exceptional job and our child is made to feel welcome, safe and supported whilst having fun with their peers.",
Other comments included: "We absolutely love Abernethy Primary Nursery, the staff are excellent and put so much into their work with our child. We are extremely grateful for everything they do." and "The staff are warm and obviously take their roles very seriously".
The full report can be read by clicking here and then searching Abernethy nursery
