'Warm relationships' between children and staff at Dunbar nursery

An unannounced inspection took place at Cherrytrees Children’s Nursery in Dunbar over two days earlier this summer.

Inspectors spoke with several children, as well as staff, and reviewed comments made by more than a dozen families who use the service.

The newly released report offers two ratings of good (children play and learn, and children are supported to achieve) alongside two ratings of satisfactory/adequate (leadership, and children thrive and develop in quality spaces).

A spokesperson for the nursery, on the town’s Abbey Road, welcomed the findings of the inspection.

They said: “We are particularly pleased that the report highlights children's confidence, the warm interactions with staff, improvements to play environments, and awards good evaluations for both children's play and learning, and the care and support they receive.

“The inspection also acknowledges that we have successfully addressed two improvement areas identified at our previous inspection, including significant enhancements to our learning environments and outdoor provision.

“As with any inspection, we take all feedback seriously.

“We recognise there are areas where we can continue to improve, particularly around leadership systems, infection prevention practices and reviewing the suitability of our environment for our youngest children.

“Work on these areas has already begun, and we are committed to implementing the Care Inspectorate's recommendations promptly and thoroughly.

“At Cherrytrees, our priority is always providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive.

“We view inspections as an important opportunity to reflect, improve and continue raising the quality of our service for the children and families in our care.”

The nursery, which is over two floors, caters for children up to the age of five years old.

Under the leadership heading, it was noted that there had been “some positive changes” since the last inspection visit but “the pace of change had been slow”.

It reads: “The manager indicated that this was to support staff to make sustainable improvements.

“To assist staff to further understand good practice, they had been given information to develop their basic childcare skills.”

Meanwhile, under children thrive and develop in quality spaces, an area for improvement was highlighted.

It noted that the manager and provider should: “Evaluate and risk assess the use of the first floor of the building for children under two years to ensure that it meets the needs of children.

“Develop a comprehensive risk assessment to detail the evacuation process to be followed in the event of an emergency.”

The warm relationships between youngsters and staff were highlighted under children play and learn.

The report reads: “Children were confident with staff, who interacted with them in a warm and caring manner.

“Staff need to further develop their skills in extending children's learning through meaningful interactions and open-ended questioning.

“This would support children to think more critically, solve problems and deepen their learning experiences.”

Finally, important strengths were noted under children are supported to achieve.

This, again, included staff being “kind and caring in their interactions with children”.

Feedback was also provided by parents, including: “The staff are so warm and friendly, and my child is happy to be looked after by them all.

“There doesn't seem to be too high a turnover of staff, so the care feels consistent and they know my child well.”

Further feedback included: "The amazing staff, they are so kind, patient and give lots of cuddles."