Easdale Primary School’s Pre-5 unit has received a glowing report from the Care Inspectorate.
Inspectors found that staff provided the children with warm, nurturing and responsive care that supported their wellbeing and development, and praised the way in which they had developed trusted, loving relationships with the children.
The children who attend the unit were found to be confident about expressing their thoughts, views and feelings, and making choices and decisions about what they wanted to do throughout the day.
Inspectors also found that staff were motivated, open to exploring new ideas and building strong working relationships based on mutual trust and respect. It was evident they were committed to further developing their knowledge, skills and expertise and striving to be the best they can be to support and achieve positive outcomes for children and their families.
The report highlighted the head teacher’s planned programme of staff support, supervision and development that included formal observations of staff practice and the Scottish Government's recently published 'Early Learning and Childcare - National Induction Resource'.
To underpin their continuous improvement agenda, team meetings were being used to support and further develop staff practice, giving them regular opportunities to self-evaluate and critically reflect on their work. Training plans were taking account of their strengths and personal development areas, as well as the service's wider improvement planning goals.
Inspectors received positive feedback from the children and their parents during the visit, and noted the way that the children are all creating their own 'snap shot' journal to share their fun and progress with their families.
Welcoming the report, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “Well done to everyone involved. It is clear from the findings that the head teacher and staff have the children’s best interests at heart, and they are a true credit to not only the school, but the local community too.
“The report talks about the strong relationship that staff have developed with families, and this is something that must be praised. We do everything possible to ensure our children thrive and get the best possible start. Research shows that family engagement in schools from an early stage not only helps improve pupil performance, but creates trust and respect, and opens two –way communication between the teacher and parents - something Easdale is managing terrifically.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved on their efforts and look forward to seeing the unit develop even further.”