Child care centre at Inverness College UHI earns praise from Care Inspectorate
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A CENTRE which cares for children of staff and students and the public at Inverness College UHI has earned top marks in a Care Inspectorate assessment.
The college’s Early Learning and Childcare Centre looks after a maximum of 50 children aged from birth to pre primary school.
The service is provided from a purpose-built building at Inverness Campus with direct access to an enclosed garden. Pre-school children were weekly visitors to the woodland classroom at the Scottish School of Forestry which introduced them to wildlife and a space that encouraged problem solving, teamwork and imaginary play.
The inspectors heard glowing praise from parents and carers of children using the service and graded quality of care and support as very good and quality of management and leadership as a top mark of excellent. Centre manager Cat Mackenzie said: “This really is testament to the whole team for their hard work and dedication in ensuring the very best experience for the children we care for, but also our parents for their tremendous support.”
Inspectors stated: “We found that members of staff were experienced and skilled and that children were encouraged to direct their own play. Members of staff supported children and extended their learning by asking appropriate questions or signposting to equipment or research.
“Staff had identified learning objectives for children through observation and conversations with the children. We found a staff group who believed in, and worked towards, an agreed set of aims and objectives. All staff were happy working within this service and all understood that the overall care of children was the responsibility of all.”
In the “what the service could do better” section the inspectors found that under-floor heating in the baby room “was not the best model of heating as it may have an effect on children’s energy levels”.
Inspectors stated: “We accept that the introduction of ‘loose parts’ (natural open materials) is a work in progress, and additional materials would be welcomed to all the rooms. Providing more physical challenges in the garden area for older children may be beneficial and assist them in gaining risk assessment skills.
“We visited the [woodland classroom] and agreed that this was a wonderful space for children. Increasing hours spent at this site would be welcomed by children.”
