Clackmannanshire Council Online

Alva Early Learning and Childcare Centre Inspection Report

Alva Early Learning and Childcare Centre was visited by the Care Inspectorate last month.

The visit, on 18 April, highlighted many positives including dedicated and committed staff, the high standard of refurbishment, the outdoor learning environment and the flow between indoor and outdoor play areas.

The key messages from the visit included:

• The outdoor learning environment effectively supported children to develop their problem solving, be creative and lead their own learning.
• Most children enjoyed free flow play from outside to inside for most of the session.
• Children benefitted from a staff team that was committed to taking forward improvements.

Both the staff team and setting were evaluated as good by the inspectors.

Parents told the inspection team that staff's interactions with children were one of the service's key strengths.

There was a positive staff ethos, with staff working and communicating respectfully with each other as a team.

Children also benefitted from a bright, well-ventilated and welcoming environment with a wide range of resources and experiences.

Education spokesperson Councillor Graham Lindsay said: "I want to thank the staff at Alva ELC for their ongoing commitment to providing the best possible start for the children in their care.

“I'm pleased to hear that the ELC’s clear direction with identified priorities was highlighted and I look forward to working in partnership on the improvement journey ahead.”

Alva Primary School and ELC’s acting headteacher Lynda McDonald recently took on the role on a permanent basis.

Lynda McDonald and the whole team are looking forward to continuing the improvement journey and supporting Alva’s children and their families.