A TRANENT nursery has received ratings of 'adequate' and 'good' following a recent visit from the Care Inspectorate.

Argyle Bridge Children's Nursery's branch on Haddington Road was visited unannounced by two inspectors at the end of May.

The nursery - which has a sister branch on the town's Bridge Street - provides an early learning and childcare service to up to 43 children not yet attending primary school. Children are cared for within four separate playrooms across two floors.

Evaluations were taken from conversations with children using the service, 23 online questionnaires from families, conversations with staff, observing of practice and daily life, and reviewed documents.

One of the four categories – setting – was marked as ‘good’, while the other three categories - care, play and learning; leadership; and staff team – received a marking of ‘adequate’.

The report praised staff interactions and observed that they were “linked to recent staff training in nurture principles.”

It continued: “Children were happy and settled in the nursery. Most children felt secure, confident and happy in their relationships formed with key staff.”

The inspector made positive comments about a good system for managing dietary requirements but noted that a limited choice was available if the children did not like what was for lunch.

The report read: “The atmosphere was loud and there was a lot of movement of children and staff within the area.”

The nursery was also asked to review its nappy changing facilities due to levels of privacy and dignity which were “not always adequate”.

Recent staff changes also impacted outcomes for children and their families.

One parent commented in feedback forms: “It is difficult to build strong relationships with staff in each room due to the high turnover of staff over the past year."

Meanwhile, the ‘setting’ category was rated as 'good' due to the variety of resources and play experiences, as well as a natural woodland environment outside.

One parent told the inspector: “Lots of sensory activities indoors and outdoors, storytime, song singing, planting and playing in the garden, being out in the local community".

The report stated: “Children's literacy and communication was supported using books and wider literacy resources throughout the environment. We observed a sense of love around books and storytelling.”