Cathkin Community Nursery awarded perfect report from inspectors

Sep 2 2009 by Jonathan Geddes, Rutherglen Reformer

IT’S super sixes for Cathkin Community Nursery, who have picked up a perfect score from education inspectors.

The nursery, in Langlea Road, received a six - the highest possible mark - from the care commission in EVERY category.

Liz Mercer, the head of the nursery, said: “We are all thrilled with the inspection results. The children, parents and staff in the nursery work very well together and have fun. We knew the nursery was special and the Care Commission inspection has confirmed it as being of the highest quality. Eight ‘excellents' is wonderful! I am really pleased.”

She added: “Whilst the report focuses on a wide range of excellent practice, there is no doubt that the links and relationships that staff have formed with children, parents and family members and with those who visit the nursery is especially pleasing.

"The reference in the report that the nursery is at ‘the heart of the community and, understanding the community, the whole staff team engaged in a shared vision for the local area’ best describes our ethos and how we put the children at the centre of what we do each day."

The report stated: “The well-being and protection of children in the nursery is promoted in an exemplary manner. Staff promote an indoor/outdoor curriculum the year round, bringing learning alive.

“The nursery offers excellent opportunities for parents and children to contribute their views and keeping those using the service fully informed and involved. Standards in the nursery are highly commendable and parents were unanimous in feeling welcome, valued and included.

“Parents also gave their views on their experiences and those of their children and these were highly complimentary.

“The nursery class, which provides places for pre-school children 52 weeks a year, is the first establishment of its kind in South Lanarkshire to achieve this top rating. Children were consulted on a daily basis, enabling them to make informed choices in their learning and development. Parents are actively involved in the life of the nursery and are encouraged to take part in the Parent Partnership Programme.”

l The nursery recently collected COSLA Excellence Award for Customer Care and a second COSLA Award for “feeling good and doing well “.