STAFF at a nature nursery near Mauchline have been praised for being "passionate" and "nurturing" during a recent inspection visit.

Craighead Country Nursery School, on the outskirts of the town, offers a child-led approach to learning.

The popular facility, which opened back in 2016, has a focus on natural and environmental learning, allowing youngsters to enjoy as much freedom as possible.

Care Inspectorate officials visited the establishment recently and published a positive report, with key messages including how children were so well supported, and that management and staff had created an environment which focused on the children.

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Inspectors received glowing feedback from parents and carers of youngsters at the nursery, which were included in the report.

One comment said: "All staff go above and beyond to let the parents get involved in their child's nursery journey."

Another said: "Staff are always welcoming and genuinely care for my family."

The report found that staff knew children very well and were responsive to their changing needs.

Continuing its praise for staff, the report said: "Children benefited from a passionate and nurturing staff team that knew them and their families well. 

"They were very warm, caring and sensitive in their approach and demonstrated positive team working.

"They understood their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children and spoke confidently of the steps they would take should a concern arise for a child or family."

A few weeks ago we held our monthly staff meeting in the Forest, giving everyone the chance to experience the calm and...

Posted by Craighead Country Nursery School on Monday 24 June 2024

The nursery's environment is one of the main attractions for children attending.

Its natural, outdoor care was something that was positively pointed out in the report.

Inspectors added: "The play spaces were comfortably furnished and all play materials were appropriate to children's needs and stages of development.

"In addition to premise based provision, the service offered a fully outdoors experience where families could enrol children for full day woodland experiences.

"The areas used for this aspect of service delivery included natural woodlands, well equipped shelters which provided a homely space for children to be welcomed in to the setting and where they could rest or relax and personal care facilities.

"These were well maintained to ensure children's safety and comfort."