Published 15 December 2022

Children attending Early Learning & Childcare in West Dunbartonshire are receiving good quality care and learning.

A report to the Educational Services Committee shows 100 per cent of Early Learning and Childcare Centres inspected by the Care Inspectorate receiving good or very good gradings in every inspection.

Of the 13 inspections carried out between August 2021 until November 2022, nine centres received top marks for care, play and learning; seven centres were graded very good for their setting; with 11 receiving top marks for leadership and staff at 10 centres graded very good, with all other valuations rated as good. 

Plans to expand the One-ery model of curriculum delivery, based around play pedagogy and nurturing approaches, are progressing with work underway at Linnvale Early Learning and Childcare Centre. Planning and building warrant approval for St Mary’s Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Alexandria. Plans have also been drawn up for an early years expansion in Christie Park Primary School.

Convener of Educational Services, Councillor Clare Steel, said: “We are fully committed to providing 1140 hours of free Early Learning & Childcare and it’s great to see these positive results across all areas in our ELCCs. Recent inspections show our centres are achieving grades of good and very good and these are the grades we want for all our centres.  I am also pleased our plans to expand our early years estate are progressing. This expansion will be a great asset to families”  

Vice Convener of Educational Services, Councillor John Millar, said: “It is very pleasing to see these very positive results in our inspections.  This is testament to our commitment to ensure children within our centres progress well under strong leadership and committed staff. We are committed to continuing this positive trend of inspection results and I would like to thank all our staff who have worked hard to achieve these great grades.”