COWIE nursery has been given a glowing report, following a visit from inspectors recently.

The nursery was awarded a mark of six - a rating of ‘excellent’ - for both its quality of care and support and quality of staffing by the Care Inspectorate.

Of the 3,518 day-care services inspected by the national regulator, that glowing assessment puts Cowie Nursery among an elite group of 41 to have achieved the same recognition.

Located within purpose-built premises, shared with St Margaret's Primary School, which contains a community space, the nursery cares for up to 96 pre-school children.

Karen McLaughlin, the head of establishment at Cowie Nursery, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled with this report. 

“We are particularly pleased that it recognises and highlights our commitment to ensuring all children are provided with a wide range of experiences in a happy, relaxed and nurturing environment.

“Our children have a sense of pride and ownership in their beautiful nursery. Staff are committed to further developing their professional development which is demonstrating positive outcomes for children and families.

“I would like to thank the nursery community for their support as we continue to ensure all children are valued to reach their full potential within an inclusive, inspiring learning environment.”

Following a visit to the nursery on November 23, 2018, inspectors observed that children experienced high quality, warm and nurturing interactions from a dedicated and caring staff team. Children were supported very well to remain happy, settled and secure in the nursery environment.

Their report added: “Children continued to develop as their needs were regularly assessed and evaluated, contributing to the highly effective planning of daily activities. Staff knew the children extremely well and worked together, sharing important information that would ensure positive experiences and individual outcomes for children and their families.”

Staff also came in for praise from inspectors for listening, respecting and valuing children, empowering them to lead their own play, while the service’s support of children’s emotional well-being was identified as a particular strength.

The Care Inspectorate, which regulates and inspects care services in Scotland, also reported positive feedback from parents and carers who had filled out questionnaires, with all strongly agreeing that overall they were happy with the quality of care their children received at the nursery.

Councillor Susan McGill, convener of Stirling Council's children and young people committee, said: “Huge congratulations to the dedicated staff at Cowie Nursery for this excellent report and achieving the rare distinction of being awarded top marks in all themes of its inspection.

“With only one per cent of day care services in Scotland receiving this recognition from the national regulator, it shows what a tremendous job the nursery’s staff are doing to ensure children have the best start in life.”

Cllr Margaret Brisley, vice convener of the committee, added: “To be among only 1 per cent of nurseries in Scotland to achieve this feat highlights that Cowie Nursery is a beacon of good practice in developing and supporting children, enabling them to achieve their potential.

“This inspection report is brimming with positive findings and feedback, and the staff at the nursery deserve enormous credit for creating such a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.”