Published 07 September 2022
Staff and children at Kilbowie Early Learning and Childcare Centre are celebrating after the centre was rated very good in all areas during an unannounced inspection.
Management and senior staff were praised by inspectors who found the team supporting children's wellbeing through compassionate and responsive care. Inspectors found dedicated confident staff who had built up warm and loving relationships with the children.
Management of the centre was rated very good, with inspectors hearing staff felt very supported by the senior management team and their ideas and views were listened to and respected.
Inspectors also highlighted the positive relationships with parents with staff recognising the importance of working in partnership with families, with parents and carers encouraged to participate in family engagement sessions.
Children were also observed experiencing good high quality play, learning and development opportunities and benefiting from the caring learning environment where they are supported to reach their full potential. Inspectors noted that children were engaged in their play and appeared confident and happy in their surroundings.
Children enjoyed active learning opportunities in the playrooms with access to the secure outdoor area where children enjoyed fresh air and active play experiences.
Within the centre, resources are displayed to ensure children can access them independently and they were confident to approach staff for support, help and reassurance helping them to develop positive relationships with the staff team.
In feedback from parents and carers the centre was praised for its communications and care of their children. Comments included "The learning journal was great for us to see as parents. As due to pandemic we didn't get to see them in nursery at all. The photos and seeing what she was doing was great. The class dojo is regularly updated also."; "The nursery regularly update the class dojo asking for photos and ideas for us to do at home to aid learning” and "Kilbowie keep us well informed of my child's progress via class dojo and of sharing their learning journal folders at home".
Snack and lunchtime provided children a more homely experience with children sitting at tables with tablecloths, napkins and flowers on the tables, and walls decorated with children's artwork.
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 and management within the centre. The report shines a light on the fantastic job being carried out by the dedicated and caring Early Learning and Childcare employees and their enthusiasm and drive to provide quality learning for 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 Chair of Educational Services, said: “. The children at Kilbowie, 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.”
Following the inspection, no recommendations or follow up inspections are planned.