Irvine nursery praised by inspectors for staff care

The Owl and the Pussycat in the town's Montgomery Lane was visited by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Education in Scotland recently.

In their report issued this week, the nursery received 'very good' ratings for learning, teaching and assessment as well as wellbeing, inclusion and equality. They also received a 'good' ranking for their curriculum.

The nursery, near the Harbourside, is for children aged from six weeks until they begin primary school. The team works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council.

It offers three playrooms and an outdoor garden space split into different sections for the various age groups of children.

Inspectors found the key strengths of the nursery were:

• The stimulating, high-quality learning environment and the motivating open-ended resources that support high levels of engagement. Children are developing their curiosity and imagination skills very well and are highly motivated by the rich learning experiences on offer.
• The embedded ‘family’ ethos which is evident across the nursery. Relationships between staff, children and families are very strong and are a central part of the work of the nursery. Children are confident as they learn within a safe and secure setting.
• The high-quality interactions between staff and children that extend learning and deepen thinking. Children are highly engaged in their learning for sustained periods of time.
• The very effective approach to planning for children’s learning. Staff involve children very well in this process through the use of floor books. As a result, children ask questions, contribute their ideas and evaluate their learning.

The inspectors said: "Staff provide a curriculum based on caring, nurturing relationships where the core values of ‘respected’, ‘nurtured’, ‘included’ and ‘valued’ are a priority.

"They ensure a strong focus on the needs and interests of children, which are central to their work."