Children at Stromness Primary School Nursery are “happy, settled and have fun”

Children at Stromness Primary School Nursery experience “warm, caring and nurturing” support by a “happy, caring and committed” staff team who are passionate about providing high quality care and support. 

That’s according to Care Inspectorate Inspectors following an unannounced visit to the Nursery on 16 and 17 September, this year. 

The Council-run day care service is for up to 40 children from two years old to those not yet attending primary school. 

Key messages: 

• Children were very well nurtured and supported through their daily experience by kind and caring staff.  

• Staff's understanding of child development, differing learning approaches and children's right to play supported the provision of high-quality experiences.  

• Children benefitted from a very good range of open ended, natural child centred resources, enabling them to explore their creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills. 

• Children's play and learning was enhanced through strong connections to the wider community.  

• Playrooms were homely and fostered a welcoming atmosphere for the children.  

• The manager encouraged and motivated everyone involved in the nursery to feel confident in initiating changes.  

• A shared vision across the nursery created an inclusive ethos.  

• Children benefitted from a happy, caring and committed staff team who knew them well and were passionate about providing high quality care and support. 

Inspectors evaluated the setting as ”very good” in all areas, including: care, play and learning; the setting; leadership and the staff team. 

The Inspectors stated in the report: “Staff knew children very well and were aware of their individual needs. Children were busy and deeply engaged in their play throughout the day. They had fun as they freely explored a wide range of experiences which provided challenge, creativity and discovery. 

“Children were engaged in high quality play experiences outdoors that provided a variety of opportunities to be creative, develop problem solving skills, and have fun. 

“Opportunities had been developed to support intergenerational learning between the service and a local care home. This supported children to build valuable connections with members of their wider community. 

“The staff and leadership team had worked hard to create an attractive and stimulating environment. 

“Strong leadership encouraged and motivated everyone involved in the nursery to feel confident in initiating changes. It was evident from conversations with staff that they all shared a common child-centred approach to their work and that they had been ably led and empowered by the manager to do so. 

“One parent commented, ‘I am beyond impressed by Stromness Nursery and I am proud to send my daughter to the setting. It feels organised and well managed, and I feel staff accommodate any additional requirements really well.’” 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “It is so pleasing to read of happy and engaged children who are being nurtured by a staff team and manager who clearly have the children’s individual best interests at heart of all that they do. 

“My thanks are extended to the staff for their efforts which has resulted in a glowing inspection report across all areas.”