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Inspectors determine follow-up action will be needed at nursery in Motherwell

Inspectors have determined that follow-up action will be needed at a nursery in Motherwell. In a recent letter from Education Scotland to parents and carers of children attending the private Windmill Nursery, findings from an inspection conducted in October have been shared.
The inspection report highlighted that learning, teaching, and assessment, as well as securing children’s progress, were both graded as “weak” on Education Scotland’s scale. This suggests that there are significant weaknesses in these aspects. The Care Inspectorate rated five other criteria as “adequate”, indicating that strengths at the nursery slightly outweigh the weaknesses.
While children were reported to enjoy attending the nursery and outdoor play, the inspectors identified areas for improvement. These included the need for more engagement with children, better progress in literacy and numeracy, improved planning, and promoting relationships to help children build friendships.
The report acknowledged that some practitioners at the nursery serve as good role models, providing calm and supportive interventions for children who require emotional support. However, there is a need for additional training and guidance for all practitioners to help children manage disagreements calmly and show empathy towards their peers.
Furthermore, practitioners were urged to develop consistent ways to record children’s learning to accurately measure progress in different curriculum areas. Progress in communication, early language skills, literacy, and numeracy were identified as weak areas that require improvement.
The nursery staff are required to demonstrate increased competency by March 31, including a better understanding of children’s needs, implementation of good practice guidance, and improved staff training and induction processes. An additional visit will be conducted within six months to monitor progress, and Education Scotland will collaborate with North Lanarkshire Council to address the findings.
In conclusion, while the nursery received a mixed evaluation with both strengths and areas needing improvement, the commitment to further training and follow-up visits demonstrates a proactive approach towards enhancing the quality of education and care provided to children in Motherwell.
Insights and Summary:
The inspection report on Windmill Nursery in Motherwell highlights the importance of continuous improvement in early childhood education. It underscores the need for practitioners to have the necessary skills and support to enhance children’s learning experiences effectively. By addressing the identified areas for development and working closely with authorities, the nursery can strive towards providing a high-quality learning environment for young children. This article emphasises the significance of ongoing assessment and collaboration between regulatory bodies and educational institutions to ensure the well-being and development of children in nursery settings.