Newtonmore nursery facility is one of the class stars
Newtonmore Primary School Nursery has been given a very upbeat assessment by the Care Inspectorate.
It follows an unannounced full day visit to the Highland Council facility on March 15.
The nursery for up to 48 tots is provided from two rooms within the primary school and offers both English and Gaelic medium.
The inspection found:
• children received very warm and nurturing care which supported them to feel secure.
• Staff supported children’s developing language, literacy, and numeracy through rich learning experiences.
• Children accessed their local community regularly which enhanced their learning experiences.
• Staff and those across the wider school worked well together to meet children’s needs.
Care, play and learning were deemed very good as was the leadership with five marks too out of six (excellent).
The setting and staff team was assessed as good with four of six marks.
The inspector stated in the findings: “Children benefited from very warm and nurturing care from staff who were kind and respectful.
“Staff helped children to settle by offering reassurance and cuddles when needed... Staff were knowledgeable about children’s wider circumstances and the impact these might have on them.
“As a result of this, children received the care and support that was right for them.”
Snack and mealtimes were ‘calm and unhurried social experiences’.
The inspector found that children were engaged in their play and having fun and they were confident and progressing well in their language, literacy, and numeracy skills.
The report stated: "Staff used effective questioning to extend children's learning and to support them to develop their thinking and understanding.
"Children's current interests were at the centre of play and learning in both playrooms.
"For example, role play in the children's 'café' area within the Gaelic medium playroom, had been extended to visits to local cafes and shops.
"This resulted in children setting up their own café for school teachers as well as exploring where in the world food came from.
"This responsive approach supported children to develop their language, literacy, and numeracy skills.
"This meant that children were confident and progressing well."
Staff demonstrated a very good understanding of children’s individual progress and development.
The tots had developed ‘very strong connections’ in the local community, regularly visiting woodlands, parks, and local services.
Outdoor learning was a particular strength.
On staffing, the inspector stated: "The setting was effectively staffed to meet the needs of children. There was a good mix of skills, knowledge and understanding across the staff team.
"Staff told us they had different strengths and areas of interest, which allowed them to give children a wide variety of positive experiences throughout the day.
"Children experienced continuity of care across the day from staff who knew them well.
"Staff worked well together to ensure that children were safe and accounted for, communicating clearly when children needed additional support. They planned activities and experiences considering the needs of children.
"As a result, they were able to always remain focused on children, which ensured high quality interactions.
"We received positive feedback from parents about the staff team. Some of their comments included, 'Staff offer an organised and very eclectic mix of activities for the children both in and outdoors'.
One parent felt communication could be improved. The report added: "management team had identified this as an area for improvement and were actively working with staff to increase opportunities for parental engagement.
"There was a positive ethos amongst the staff team. Staff had developed close working relationships and communicated with each other with mutual respect. Newer members of staff told us they felt very welcomed to the staff team.
"Staff were committed to their roles, and motivated and enthusiastic with a shared vision to ensure that children were well supported."
