ARNHALL Nursery has been praised for developing happy and confident children following a visit by Education Scotland inspectors.

The nursery received a ‘Very Good’ rating in the Ensuring Wellbeing, Equality and Inclusion category, with ‘Good’ ratings awarded for Leadership of Change; Learning, Teaching and Assessment and Securing Children’s Progress.

The report, following a visit during January, stated: “There is a strong focus on children’s health and wellbeing across the setting.

“Practitioners have created a warm, nurturing ethos that ensures children are happy, safe and secure. As a result, almost all children quickly engage and settle to their play.

“Children are learning about wider issues of equality through a range of experiences in the nursery, including the celebration of festivals, world languages and customs.

“They are learning how they can take practical steps to help others who face challenges different to those they face themselves.”

Inspectors also highlighted the supportive management team and enthusiastic practitioners who work to improve the service for children and families.

Nursery manager Norma McFarlane said: “This inspection report reflects the fantastic efforts that our staff have gone to in order to deliver high-quality learning experiences for our children. We want them to become successful learners and confident in themselves, and by developing our relationships with the parents, we will continue to deliver the best outcomes for children and their families.”

Convener of the Children and Young People Committee, Councillor Susan McGill said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Arnhall Nursery on the results of their Care Inspectorate report.

“The professionalism and passion of staff has created a safe, fun environment for the children to learn. The nursery offers a fantastic platform to ensure that the children are challenged in a range of activities and receive a high quality learning experience.”

Vice Convenor Councillor Margaret Brisley said: “Arnhall Nursery should be very proud of the way they are developing their children and this report by Education Scotland reflects the effort, dedication and application of their staff.”