“Children benefited from warm, nurturing relationships and meaningful experiences that supported their wellbeing, confidence and development.”
A council-run nursery in Ayr has received a near flawless report from the Care Inspectorate.
Wallacetown Early Years Centre, on Queen Street, was graded ‘excellent’ across one quality indicator and ‘very good’ across two others.
To achieve an ‘excellent’ grading from the care scrutiny body- the highest grade possible- is rare.
‘Very good’ gradings- the second highest grade possible, is also difficult to achieve during an unannounced spot check.
But inspectors declared that the service displayed “sector-leading practice” in nurturing care and support that enabled all children to “reach their full potential.”
The unannounced inspection took place in July with the findings now published.
Among the other key messages the Care Inspectorate said the service promoted an ethos of “love, respect and inclusion.”
And “well-resourced,” stimulating indoor and outdoor environments promoted “curiosity, independence and creativity.”
In addition, staff knew children and families “very well” and provided the support and care they required in a “kind and nurturing way.”
The positives continued; children were supported and nurtured through their daily experiences, leading to “high-quality outcomes.”
And quality assurance and improvement processes were “inclusive of staff, children and families.”
Wallacetown Early Years Centre provides a daycare of children service to a maximum of 170 children at any one time.
An extract from the report said there were “major strengths” to the service.
The report continues: “The service’s vision, values and aims had recently been reviewed and clearly set out their vision of providing continuous improvement, in a supportive aspirational nurturing way to offer inclusive early learning of the highest standard. These, alongside the curriculum rationale, were shared with families through a variety of information booklets and play and stay sessions, which outlined the service’s approach to learning, wellbeing and development. Children benefited from warm, nurturing relationships and meaningful experiences that supported their wellbeing, confidence and development.”
The report also noted the “strong culture” of teamwork and “shared responsibility” across the service, with staff and leaders “working collaboratively” to support improvement.
And staff were “open, reflective and fully engaged” throughout the inspection process, demonstrating a “clear understanding” of the service’s improvement journey.
The report goes on: “The newly appointed management team had a clear understanding of the strengths of the service as well as areas for further development. They had used self-evaluation well to identify priorities and take action. Improvement planning was meaningful and linked closely to the vision and aims of the service. Leaders could evidence progress regarding improving lunchtime experiences for children and provide examples of how developments had influenced practice. Children’s voices were recognised and valued, helping to shape this improved experience and contribute to service development.”
Leadership was graded ‘very good’ in the report and in the quality indicator relating to children’s play and learning, this too was graded ‘very good.’
In the quality indicator relating to supporting children to achieve, the service was graded ‘excellent.’
The report adds: “Aspects of (the service’s) performance were outstanding and sector leading. Strong, trusting relationships with families were a cornerstone of the nursery’s approach. Staff actively encouraged family engagement throughout the year, holding regular meetings to discuss children’s personal plans, learning, and development.”


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