Early Learning and Childcare Centre receives 'excellent' rating from Care Inspectorate

The Early Learning and Childcare Centre at Inverness College UHI has been rated as ‘excellent’ and ‘very good’ by the Care Inspectorate.

The centre, which provides childcare for children aged 0-5, had an unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection in February.

The centre was rated as ‘very good’ for its quality of care and support and ‘excellent’ for the quality of management and leadership, making it one of the best performing childcare centres in the Inverness area.

Based within the grounds of Inverness College UHI, at Inverness Campus, the centre provides childcare for staff, students and members of the public.

The Care Inspectorate found “all children were welcomed and warmly cared for” and staff were “excellent role models … knowledgeable, informed and worked to their strengths.”

The inspector noted children were encouraged to be independent, direct their own play, and enjoyed a range of learning activities, while weekly visits to their own woodland classroom at the Scottish School of Forestry introduced them to the community, wildlife and a space that encouraged problem solving, team work and imaginary play.

Cat Mackenzie, early learning and childcare manager, said: “The centre has been rated consistently as ‘very good’ for the past 10 years but we are delighted to receive sector leading recognition with an ‘excellent’ rating. 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.”

The centre has spaces available from August 2019.

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