Helmsdale parents upset over 'harsh' nursery inspection report
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Parents of children at a Sutherland nursery have denounced a recent Care Inspectorate report on the Highland-Council run facility as unduly “harsh”.
An inspector made an unannounced, day-long visit to Helmsdale Primary School Nursery, which can cater for up to 20 children, on September 6.
In a subsequent report, the nursery was praised for the way it nurtured and supported children - offering “comfort, cuddles and caring interactions when needed”.
The inspector found that, overall, children were happy and enjoyed their time at nursery with their friends.
The nursery was also commended for the way it engaged with parents, using online platforms to communicate and share children’s learning and achievements.
However, a major criticism was its staffing levels.
The report reads: “Staff worked alone for certain periods of the day which resulted in insufficient staffing levels to effectively supervise all children.
“For example, over the lunchtime period there was only one member of staff present.....as a result children’s safety and wellbeing was compromised."
The inspector also deemed that personal care plans for individual children were limited in detail; that learning and play was not always “child centred”; and that the environment would benefit from more "homely touches and comfortable furnishings".
Leadership and staffing at the nursery was judged to be weak while the quality of the nursery setting - in a classroom at the primary school, was deemed adequate as was its care, play and learning.
However, parents have said the report is unfair and that their children are safe and happy at the nursery.
Urszula Henderson said: “I feel that the report is unfair towards the staff. Our teachers are reliable, friendly, caring and what is most important, keep our children safe and happy.
"Issues raised in the report are not explained properly, and it is a shame that no one spoke to parents about them. Helmsdale nursery is a lovely place and we are lucky to have it in our community.”
Another parent, who did not want to be named, said: “I feel the report has been very harsh on the staff at Helmsdale Nursery, especially on matters that are out of their control, for example, the number of staff.
“The nursery team works so hard and are super supportive to the children and us parents. They go out of their way to encourage each child individually and as a group My son loves being in nursery.”
Katie MacNicol said the report was not a “true reflection” of the nursery.
