Congratulations to the settings below who achieved or exceeded National Standards at their recent inspection. Follow the links to read the published reports.

Busy Bee’s Inverurie – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2020380339/328949.pdf Hoodles – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2011289681/328852.pdf Hygge Avenue Childminding – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2025000138/328974.pdf Gillian Anne Junor – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2003002048/328901.pdf Amanda McMullan – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2005091201/328893.pdf Sarah Cook – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2008192265/328872.pdf Links Nursery Balmedie – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2007167228/329233.pdf Donna Cruickshank – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2003052763/329398.pdf Dawn Connah Childminding – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2014324918/329302.pdf Little Oak Childminding – https://ci-web-media-production-bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/inspection-reports/CS2024000188/329278.pdf

For the third consecutive summer we are delighted to have delivered CLPL opportunities to over 300 participants during our CLPL week. Following feedback, we will continue to consider how best to offer these opportunities throughout the year.

This year we delivered, STEM through a Froebelian Lens 🪡🧱📃🍡, Zoom in Zoom out 🔬🔍, Outdoor Learning 🌿, Role Play 🥻👗🦸‍♀️, Digital Pedagogy 📲 🔦, Making Maths count 🔢 and, enabling environments 🛖.

We were also delighted to host Pete Moorhouse who came to Kintore to deliver a full day of Woodwork Training 🪚🔨 to 50 participants and a full day of STEM the four Elements 📸🧱🖇️🧵 to 30 participants. These sessions, alongside the refreshments 🥐 (Woodwork) and the goody bags 🛍️ (STEM) were funded through a grant we received from CNOOC. Thank you to Nicola Scott from the Early Years team for applying for the grant and co-ordinating the days with Pete Moorhouse.

For more information on Pete Moorhouse and his inspirational CLPL including free ideas and downloads, please visit his website: Irresistible Learning – https://irresistible-learning.co.uk/

The team at Monymusk Playgroup are super proud to have their nature pedagogy recognised by becoming a “School for Nature” as they achieved the RSPB Wild Challenge Gold Award for doing great things in nature.   You can read all about their journey here: https://read.bookcreator.com/MMOA3EJlebYrE5IXZUsspwoLEN73/OgFtskKTSKCW2jfVZTRSIw .

We were delighted to welcome Early Years colleagues from across Aberdeenshire to Unlocking the Learning in Block Play today.

Inspired by Froebel’s belief in the power of play, we explored the history of block play, the developmental stages children move through as builders, and the important role adults play in observing, supporting and extending learning. Through discussion and practical experiences, we reflected on how block play can enrich learning across the curriculum, from literacy and numeracy to creativity, communication and problem-solving.

We also explored how digital tools such as Gemini Storybook, can enhance children’s learning by helping them capture, reflect on and share the stories behind their creations. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to a fantastic day of learning, collaboration and inspiration. 🏰🌿🏡✨

 

Innovative CPD Opportunity: Engaging Children in Permaculture for Early Years

My name Christine Mathieson from Welly Walkers Childminding Family out at Portsoy. I have just finished a fantastic course that ran for 6 weeks, 12hrs in total 2 hrs in the evening per week. It is the Introduction to Engaging Children in Permaculture part of the Permaculture Association, with lecturers/trainers Lusi Alderslowe and Annette Argabright.

As we look for innovative ways to embed sustainability and outdoor learning into our Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provisions, I would like to tell you about the training that i stumbled on whie doing reaearch during an outdoor play module in my second year of Uni : Engaging Children in Permaculture.

Permaculture goes beyond standard  gardening. It introduces a holistic design framework rooted in three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. 

• Enhancing STEM & Literacy: Providing practical, nature-based ways to deliver core curriculum outcomes.
• Boosting Child Wellbeing: Supporting sensory integration, physical confidence, and emotional resilience through active outdoor play.
• Promoting Sustainability: Directly contributing to the green initiatives by teaching waste reduction, composting, and biodiversity to the next generation.
• Maximizing Resources: Training educators to utilize free, open-ended natural materials, lowering long-term resource costs for centers.

I really wanted to shout about this CPD as I believe it can lead the way in progressive, climate-conscious early pedagogy.