Published 04 July 2022
Staff and children at Bellsmyre Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Dumbarton are celebrating after the centre was rated very good in a recent inspection.
The centre received top marks from the Care Inspectorate during the unannounced inspection.
Inspectors highlighted significant strengths in the care provided to children, which was nurturing and personally responsive to their needs. Staff knew children well and skilfully engaged with them to support their learning and development.
The report recognised that children had access to lots of play experiences and stimulating and challenging resources to help them to develop their skills in language, literacy, and numeracy. For example, children were making their own books to write their stories in. Children were also learning life skills, planting, and growing vegetables. Children were members of learning groups eg, welcome group, lunchtime champions, gardening group, children's rights group, eco group.
These initiatives supported children to be happy, confident individuals who were making progress in their learning and development.
Inspectors also noted that staff worked very hard to develop and implement strategies to support children with additional support needs by including additional information in their care plans and engaging with other agencies.
Management were praised, stating that the service was well led by a strong, approachable manager who delegated responsibility appropriately to staff and involved them in the development of the service. High staff morale impacted strongly on children's experiences.
Parents told inspectors that they were very happy with the service. Comments included: "The staff are lovely and welcoming and notify me if any incidents occur with my child and how she's getting on in nursery."
"Bellsmyre ELCC is a fantastic nursery with wonderful, supportive staff who enable my child to feel safe and thrive within a safe environment.”
Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, said: “It is very encouraging to see the many highlights in this positive inspection report, which recognises the great work and commitment of the staff within the centre.
“The report highlights the fantastic job being carried out by the Principal Early Learning and Childcare Officer, their enthusiasm and dedication to the quality learning and safety of the children in their care is to be commended.
“I would like to congratulate everyone at the centre for their part in achieving this great report and the parents and carers for their positive feedback which is much appreciated.”
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at the centre for their part in achieving this great report.
“The children, under the leadership of the dedicated staff are thriving and given the guidance, support and confidence to grow and achieve. It must be a great comfort to parents to know their children are receiving an excellent start to their education.”