Grangemouth nursery: Inspectors’ praise but ‘more attention’ needed on infection control

Rannoch Early Learning & Childcare Centre, Tinto Drive, Grangemouth, won praise from the inspectors for the care and support that staff offer to around 130 tots who attend.

The September visit found that younger children “were comfortable in the space and with the staff team who were responding well to their individual needs”.

But the report also advised the staff to “pay more attention to infection control procedures, including the general cleanliness of the environment and staff handwashing practices.

“Closer attention to key areas such as nappy changing facilities, toilets and playspaces needs to be considered to ensure they are well maintained and cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of the spread of infection.”

The inspectors also felt that the play experiences and resources on offer “did not fully engage children in play which would help them to reachtheir potential”.

Despite these suggestions, however, the nursery’s environment was judged to be ‘adequate’ and the care and support were judged to be ‘good’.

The report concluded: “Children were generally happy most of the time and some children were seen having fun with friends and staff.

“There were lots of opportunities for them to choose where they wanted to play and what they wanted to play with.

“Children were recognised as individuals and staff knew them well, talking confidently about their strengths as well as how they were supporting children to achieve and develop.

“The positive and trusting relationships children had with staff helped them to feel safe and secure.”

Parents and carers who spoke to the inspectors were also positive about their experiences.

At Falkirk Council’s Scrutiny Committee today (Thursday), education manager Lisa McCabe said a full action plan had been implemented immediately after the report.

Painting and re-flooring work delayed by the pandemic will be carried out at Easter.

Convener John Patrick said he regretted the fact that the inspectorate had not looked at the quality of the staffing or the management as “we have nothing to hide”.

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