Gryffe Manor Nursery in Houston has received a positive report from the Care Inspectorate after achieving a Very Good rating across all four areas inspected.
The inspection was carried out on 3rd and 4th June at the nursery on The Butts, Houston Road. Inspectors praised its leadership, learning environment, play experiences and support for children.
The Care Inspectorate awarded the nursery the following grades:
- Leadership – 5: Very Good
- Children are supported to achieve – 5: Very Good
- Children thrive in high quality spaces – 5: Very Good
- Children play and learn – 5: Very Good
Inspectors found children were “happy, confident and secure” and had developed positive relationships with staff and other children, supporting their wellbeing and sense of belonging. They also praised the nursery’s rich indoor and outdoor learning experiences, saying they promoted curiosity, creativity, independence and enjoyment.
The report highlighted the nursery’s woodland forest camp, outdoor classroom and secure play areas, saying they gave children opportunities to explore, learn through nature, use their imagination and experience managed risk.
Inspectors also found improvements to learning environments had given children greater choice and independence, while staff had developed a stronger understanding of planning children’s learning around their individual interests and progress.
Leadership was identified as a major strength.
The report said there was a strong culture of teamwork across the nursery, with managers and staff working together to improve the service. Leaders were praised for being visible throughout the nursery, maintaining positive relationships with children and supporting staff through professional learning and development.
The inspection also recognised the nursery’s approach to quality improvement, finding that monitoring and self-evaluation had strengthened children’s experiences and outcomes.
Outdoor learning was described as a significant strength.
Inspectors observed children taking part in activities including bug hunting, bird watching, imaginative play, mud kitchen activities, potion making and woodwork. They also noted children were encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills through outdoor play.
Parents who took part in the inspection also spoke positively about the nursery.
One parent said: “My child has been involved in committees – big breakfast and learning walks. They are very proud of their contributions.”
Other parents described staff as “friendly and warm”, “kind and welcoming” and said they “really take the time to get to know the children”.
The inspection found no improvements were required in relation to the Care Inspectorate’s core assurances, which assess children’s safety, the physical environment and whether a service is operating legally.
It also confirmed the nursery had successfully addressed all five areas for improvement identified during its previous inspection, including outdoor safety, infection prevention and control, planning and assessment, learning environments and quality assurance systems.
Alison Thomson, Nursery Manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved a Grade 5 – Very Good across all key areas of the inspection. This result reflects the dedication, professionalism and passion of our entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure every child feels valued, supported and inspired in their learning.
“We are incredibly proud of our children, families and staff and we look forward to continuing to build on this success.”
Gryffe Manor Nursery has been part of the Houston community for 34 years and currently cares for up to 92 children aged between six months and five years. The nursery employs 41 staff, including managers, qualified practitioners and support staff.
For more information about Gryffe Manor Nursery, visit www.gryffemanornursery.co.uk.
Photo: Staff and children display the four Grade 5 – Very Good ratings awarded following the Care Inspectorate inspection
Photo Credit: Andy Barr / Gryffe Manor Nursery
Photo: Gryffe Manor Nursery on The Butts, Houston Road, Houston
Photo Credit: Gryffe Manor Nursery