Published 25 June 2025
Staff and children at Renton Early Learning and Childcare Centre are celebrating after receiving some of the highest marks possible following a recent inspection.
The centre, which has been open for just under three years, was awarded two Grade 6 ratings (Excellent), for leadership and the quality of the staff team, alongside two Grade 5 ratings (Very Good) for the quality of the setting and the care, play and learning the children experience during an unannounced inspection from the Care Inspectorate.
Management and senior staff were praised by inspectors for their strong leadership and for being fully committed to continuous improvement within the school, with the nursery seen as a vital and integral part of the school.
Inspectors also highlighted significant strengths in the leadership team who worked very well together to provide effective support to the service, staff, families and children.
Inspectors graded the staff within the centre as excellent, saying their performance was sector leading with outstandingly high outcomes for children. Staff were praised for being open, honest and receptive to feedback to enhance their practice and ensure high quality outcomes for children and families.
Asked for their feedback, children and families highlighted the staff team as the facility’s biggest strength and inspection findings supported this view with inspectors saying they demonstrated a real passion for their role in maintaining high standards. Inspectors also praised them for being confident and providing effective supervision as well as clear, consistent boundaries to ensure children felt secure and able to regulate their feelings and emotions.
Children received support and comfort during times of upset from staff who treated children with respect and personal care routines were carried out respectfully to protect children's dignity. Children and their families were respected, included and genuinely cared for by staff. Inspectors found children who were thriving and confident staff who clearly understand their responsibilities for safeguarding children.
The inspectors observed a well-balanced routine allowing opportunities for both structured and free flow play and learning. Inspectors found children confidently and independently leading their play and staff skillfully interacting with children; supporting and enriching children’s play, and knowing when to step back and allow the children to build on their own ideas.
The Centre’s early stages teacher was praised for working very effectively with children and supporting staff in the local authority on using the local authority baseline for literacy, numeracy and wellbeing. This was seen as an effective tool for tracking children's learning and development.
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 Renton ELCC. The report highlights the strong leadership and staff who are committed to the children within their care. 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 John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “It is very clear from this very positive inspection, that our staff are truly committed to the care and support, not only to the children but also their families. It is also encouraging to hear how happy and confident the children are and the lengths our dedicated staff go to to ensure every child is treated as an individual, with their preferences taken into account, which is clearly having a very positive impact on the children and their families. I would like to thank the staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to giving the children at Renton ELCC the best start to their education.”
