‘Amazing’ Dunrossness nursery staff praised in inspection
DUNROSSNESS nursery staff have been described as “amazing” following an unannounced inspection last month.
Care Inspectorate Scotland made the surprise visit to the South Mainland facility on 15 and 16 September to carry out a full inspection.
The nursery was rated “very good” for supporting children to achieve, and “good” for its leadership and support of children’s play and learning following the visit.
And inspectors said parents of children attending the nursery had described the staff there as “amazing” during the course of the inspection.
Dunrossness nursery provides care for a maximum of 30 children, starting at three years old and leading up to primary school. A total of 13 children were using the nursery when inspectors visited.
Care Inspectorate Scotland said it had spent time with the children, and had spoken to parents, staff and the management team across the two days.
“Staff were nurturing and responsive, supporting children to feel safe, included and confident,” they found.
“Warm, responsive relationships helped children feel secure, confident, respected and included throughout their nursery day.”
Staff treated children “respectfully” and supported them to recognise and manage risks, helping them to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe.
“As a result, children experienced respectful relationships and were supported to participate in nursery life,” inspectors said.
“Parents told us they had opportunities to share their views and felt confident approaching staff.
“Although they could not identify specific examples of their feedback influencing change, they believed their suggestions would be listened to and considered.”
Staff also described improved morale at the nursery following a period of challenges, which had allowed them to “celebrate their successes”, Care Inspectorate Scotland said.
“Where changes had been made staff had reflected on where this could be better and adjusted. For example, a weekly rather than monthly staff rota.
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“This led to improved staff morale and motivation which promoted a relaxed, sociable atmosphere which children enjoyed.”
Most parents were satisfied with communication, and all reported positive relationships with staff, inspectors found.
“Staff knew children and families very well and were developing secure relationships with newer children.
“Children and families generally received a warm welcome. Staff made time to exchange information at arrival and collection, strengthening continuity between home and nursery.
“Staff shared information with families about children’s experiences at the end of the nursery day.”
Inspectors said, however, that staff should improve the regularity of this sharing so that families could celebrate their children’s achievements and contribute to their next steps.
Children experienced a “suitable balance of planned and responsive learning” at Dunrossness nursery.
“For example, they extended an insect project through drawing, small-world play and research in response to children’s interest,” inspectors said.
“Outdoors, staff helped children develop a traffic-sign game using wheeled resources. These approaches enabled children to pursue their interests, test ideas and influence their play.
“Children used tablets, the smartboard and everyday technology to support their play. This included magnifying glasses, magnets, old phones, cash registers and measuring tools.
“As a result, children were confident, motivated and able to direct their play.”
However inspectors said children were using some equipment, such as magnets, “without being encouraged to predict or test which surfaces were magnetic”.
“More consistent questioning would deepen children’s curiosity, reasoning and problem-solving,” inspectors said.
They also said the resources and spaces “did not consistently encourage children to investigate, solve problems or extend ideas independently”.
Families on a whole were very positive about the care that their children received, however.
“They described staff as approachable, helpful and ‘amazing’, and most felt confident entering the nursery and sharing information,” inspectors added.
No follow-up visit will be required at Dunrossness as a result of the findings.
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