Inverness Family Centre in Merkinch scoops first prize at national awards ceremony
Inverness Family Centre (ELC) recently scooped the first prize award for Early Learning and Childcare at a national awards ceremony
The Learning Places Scotland Awards 2024 was held at the Hilton Hotel Glasgow, where staff from the Inverness Family Centre enjoyed collecting their award in recognition of their excellence and achievement in education.
The Family Centre provides early intervention and support to children and families through one-to-one and/or group work. The Centre also provides fully funded early learning and childcare provision for eligible two-year-olds.
Previously known as the Merkinch Family Centre, the centre evolved and changed over time and in 2022, the Family Centre moved from Coronation Park, Inverness to the old Merkinch Primary School on Telford Road. The building was renovated to include two nursery areas which open onto a courtyard and garden with a family kitchen, family bathroom, group space and two office rooms also provided.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to all the staff at the Family Centre (ELC), Inverness for winning the award at the Learning Places Scotland Awards 2024, reflecting the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the caring staff who work tirelessly to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing ethos at the Centre.
“Senior manager for Early Years, Hayley Brown nominated the team for the achievements since moving to new premises, including their strong working partnerships with parents, their highly skilled staff and leadership qualities, and their ability to be innovative and creative in the use of the space at the Centre that promotes natural curiosity, imagination, learning and growth.
“The ELC is at the heart of the Family Centre and staff work collaboratively with other support services available within the centre to ensure a holistic approach to help assist in supporting the needs of the children and their families. I’d like to commend all the staff at the Family Centre for this deserving award.”
