01 November 2019

Responsive and caring staff praised in nursery inspection

Inspectors have praised the ‘very good’ care children receive from ‘responsive’ and ‘caring’ staff at Rosehearty School Early Years.

The nursery was ranked “very good” for quality of care and support and quality of staffing following the inspection by the Care Inspectorate in October.

The report said: “Staff had very good professional relationships. They worked together respectfully and communicated well to ensure that children received continuity in their care.”

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “This inspection report makes for very positive reading. Congratulations to Mike Taylor and his team. I was particularly interested to read about the children’s regular visits to the beach and how they learnt about safety, sea life and made models in the sand. It is good to see nurseries and schools be innovative and creative as well as using the natural surroundings to encourage learning about a variety of topics. Another inventive approach is the ‘question of the week’ which sees children’s discussions about the interests and needs lead to actions being followed-up. I hope this inspection encourages staff to continue this approach. Well done to everyone involved.”

Committee vice-chair, Cllr Rosemary Bruce, said: “This is a great inspection. Congratulations to everyone at Rosehearty School Early Years. It is really encouraging to see that all the recommendations from the previous inspection have been met. It was also reassuring to read that inspectors acknowledged children’s wellbeing was considered central to their experience and that staff were confident and clear about their role in safeguarding children. These aspects must give parents a great deal of comfort.”

Head teacher Mike Taylor said: “We as a team are very proud of our grading – it really has been a team effort. Our team are all part-time, even our two lead practitioners Andrea Watson and Judith Ruxton are part-time. This, in theory, should make things a little more complicated in terms of communication but in fact it enhances the team dynamic as all staff are incredibly skillful at sharing information with each other effectively, as well as sharing the learning with parents.  Each colleague brings a new skillset to the floor which makes a fantastic experience for our young people.”

He added following the inspection the school community feels assured that quality care, support and education can continue to be provided as the expansion of funded early learning and childcare hours is doubled to 1140 hours by August 2020.

The inspection is the latest in a series of positive reports. In September 2016 the quality of management and leadership was ranked “very good” and the quality of care was considered “good”. In October 2013 the quality of environment and the quality of staffing was rated “very good” whilst the quality of care and support and quality of management and leadership was rated “good”. In October 2010, Rosehearty School Early Years received “good” for all categories assessed.