18 January 2018

Midmill nursery praised in inspection

Inspectors have praised staff at Midmill Primary School nursery’s commitment to involve parents and carers in the development of their children.

The review also commended the nursery for putting in place training to improve playtime for children. The Care Inspectorate found all categories assessed to be “good” when they visited during an unannounced inspection on Tuesday, December 19.

The report said: “The nursery playroom was bright, well-maintained, had good quality furniture and resources. Areas within the nursery had been reviewed and changed to maximise the use of space and to allow children to access resources and activities and encourage children’s independent choice.

“Staff were using their learning from an outdoor training event to implement natural materials and loose parts play into the nursery and outdoor area. We saw children playing with a variety of interesting, natural and open-ended resources which were challenging their thinking and helping them to be creative and imaginative in their play. Interesting materials were stimulating discussion between staff and children helping them to build their vocabulary and learn new skills.”

Midmill Primary School nursery provides learning and childcare to a maximum of 70 children aged between three to those about to start primary school.

There are 152 primary schools, 87 nurseries and 17 secondary schools in Aberdeenshire. At the end of the 2016/17 financial year there were more than 20,000 primary school pupils and over 14,000 secondary school pupils.