Staff at an Ayrshire nursery have been praised for their “consistently warm” and “nurturing” approach to the children under their care.
Dalrymple early childhood centre, in Hillview, has received a positive report from the Care Inspectorate with the watchdog grading the facility ‘good’ across the board.
The findings come in the wake of a unannounced inspection in December, with the report published this week.
The centre is a day care of children service which operates within Dalrymple Primary School.
The service is provided by East Ayrshire Council and is registered to care for 57 kids from two years of age who are not yet attending primary school, of whom no more than 10 should be under three years of age.
An extract from the Care Inspectorate report said: “The four parents we spoke with were happy with every aspect of the service provided.
“They spoke highly of staff and management and gave examples of where they had helped them to access additional support for their children.
“Parents were very happy with the amount of outdoor play their children accessed, and their involvement in their children’s learning through the online learning journals.”
Covid infection control practices were also put under the spotlight with the watchdog “satisfied” with the measures in place.
The report said: “We were satisfied that the service had appropriate infection control procedures in place to support a safe environment for children and staff in relation to Covid-19.
“Staff were familiar with, and implemented, current guidance in relation to Covid-19, for example wearing face coverings when required, supporting children to play outdoors and ensuring appropriate ventilation.”
The report noted that the children were “fully engaged” in their play and learning and they felt “safe, secure and confident” within the setting and added: “Children were happy, confident and having fun.
“Almost all children were fully engaged in their play and learning and confidently made choices to lead their own learning in areas that interested them. When children needed extra support to make choices, staff supported them sensitively and effectively.”
The report adds: “Staff were consistently warm and nurturing in their interactions with children.
“They listened to children and gave them ample time and encouragement to respond and share their views.
“This helped children feel safe, secure and confident in the centre. Staff recognised and celebrated children’s progress very well.”
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