The nursery's latest registration inspection report commended staff for providing a good balance between free play and more adult-directed pursuits. The children were found to be highly motivated and concentrated well on their chosen activities.
The report said, 'Staff encouraged children's self-confidence and self-esteem and used praise very well to motivate them. Children were making friends and co-operated well with each other during play.'
The inspector at Norwood House Nursery in Edinburgh, part of the Astley Grange nursery chain, noted that their programme for communication and language was very good. Children were given good opportunities to listen and to talk to each other and with adults.
At Crosslet Nursery in Dumbarton, relationships with parents were very good. They were kept informed through an information board, daily diaries and newsletters. The report said, 'Their daily informal contact with parents and folders of children's work provided useful opportunities to exchange information on children's progress.'
Children enjoyed using computer programmes to identify words and sounds at Colston Wellpark Playgroup, Glasgow. Playleaders encouraged children to observe changes in the weather and they also learned more about their environment through visits to local shops and the library.