Tarbat Old Primary School Nursery in Easter Ross given 'very good' rating following unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate
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A NURSERY in Easter Ross has been given a "very good" rating following the latest visit by the Care Inspectorate.
Tarbat Old Primary School Nursery was the subject of an unannounced inspection in June and inspectors looked at the quality of care and support as well as the environment.
Both areas were assessed as being very good and, according to a report, inspectors found the children were well cared for by two early year practitioners who knew them all very well.
The report added: "The staff's experience ensured measured interactions with the children and they promoted a real ethos of respect in their interactions with the children and their parents/carers.
"Staff had undertaken training in child protection and safeguarding and we understood more is planned in the coming term.
"We were satisfied staff had a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the event of them having concerns linked to children's safety and health and wellbeing."
According to the report information was open to parental review and staff were keen to further develop the sharing of the children's achievements with parents/carers.
It added: "Records held linked to the children's progress are now less descriptive and more outcome based and linked to learning achieved and next steps identified.
"Children have regular access to active play and staff are keen to maximise the use of the outdoor environment. Staff took time to seek children's views to support and promote imaginative play linked to outdoor activities.
"The use of dedicated outside play continues to be fully embedded and staff have been proactive in supporting children's access to these resources."
Inspectors discussed with staff how accidents and incidents were recorded recommended using a form produced by Highland Council. The report added: "We would encourage the manager of the service to audit these reports. This qualitative review of records will assist identifying any action points required.
"We identified that the decor could be altered to further increase the children's overall experience. Staff recognised where changes could be made and it is hoped incremental changes will be implemented as resources become available.
"Children had a clear understanding of no go areas which kept them safe in the outside area. However following discussion the staff agreed to review the gate locking mechanism to reduce opportunities for children to access the street should they not follow the accepted nursery rules."
In the previous unannounced inspection, in June 2016, the nursery was rated very good in three areas – care and support, staffing, and management and leadership – while the environment was considered to be good.
