CHILDREN at Innerwick Early Years Setting were presented with an Innovation and Impact Award on Wednesday by Scotland’s children’s minister.

Maree Todd MSP visited the nursery, which is one of six recognised by the Scottish Government nationally for their high-quality, innovative approach to learning, to learn more about the work they do.

Led by Senior Early Years Practitioner Sarah Laing, Ms Todd heard the children talk about what they love about their nursery.

Innerwick Early Years Setting is part of the village’s primary school and offers nursery facilities for 16 children.

It has been part of East Lothian Council’s 1,140 hours roll-out programme, which has been offering families increased funding in early years provision since January this year.

Being in a rural location with a close-knit community allows the setting to build strong relationships between them and its families, with children across the school engaging very well together as a result.

Ms Todd said: “We want Scotland to be the best place in the world for children to grow up and the innovative work carried out by Early Learning and Childcare sector is a vital part of this.

“I would like to congratulate the amazing East Lothian Council practitioners at Innerwick Early Years Setting who were recognised with this special award. I also commend the thousands of others who give their creativity and skills to positively influence our children’s learning and wellbeing.

“The nursery empowers children to make decisions and solve problems which they will then benefit from throughout their future learning and beyond.”

The team at Innerwick Early Years Setting are passionate about listening to children’s voices and promoting each child’s right to be heard and to play.

Children plan their day using a ‘map-do-review’ method, working with a map of the learning environment to create a plan for play.

This method helps all children, regardless of development stage, to have a voice, allowing them to take part at their own level using their own form of self-expression.

Parents have noted that this method and the experiences it provides has changed the way their child plays at home, also having a positive impact on their confidence, communication and independence.

In Education Scotland’s most recent inspection, they noted that Innerwick’s approach empowers children to lead their own learning and provides them with a meaningful voice. Children are also encouraged to be independent through a range of opportunities, such as outdoor and loose parts play.

Ronnie Taylor, Innerwick Primary School’s headteacher, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Early Years Team has received this well-deserved recognition.

“Our parents are very clear about how pleased they are with the care and development their children experience each and every day with us.

"Children leading their learning by making choices, working with peers and reviewing their learning is central to good outcomes.

“At Innerwick, this begins in early years and remains an integral feature of the learning process throughout their time with us, to help our young people develop as confident learners, effective contributors and responsible citizens.”