The Care Inspectorate highlighted the collaboration between the Guide dog Puppy Training and the nursery in their last inspection report of the nursery. They asked to return to see how the training takes place and see first hand this innovative learning opportunity with the children and the puppy learning together . We had a lovely visit with the inspectors – Karen Reid, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate commented on the positive  interactions between the dog and children during her visit.

The Inspectors shared the morning in the nursery with the children and staff and observed the children during their child centred learning. They listened to a story, participated in learning in the garden and accompanied the puppy on a walk to the local shop.

The care inspectorate will soon be featuring the nursery and the work we do with Guide dogs on their online hub!  We will let you know when this is available to view.

‘The more practical experiences that a child has to develop their fine and gross motor skill, the more their brain learns how to move and control their body.’

From PEEP Parents Early Education Partnership

In the nursery the children are developing their fine motor skills engaging with our new station. They are manipulating small objects using tweezers requiring a pincer grip,  turning different sized lids to open and close jars, threading activities with beads and pipe cleaners.

          Freya described her favourite activity.

  ” I like making necklaces”

Emily demonstrated her bottle opening skills.

“I like doing perfume.”

The children participated in a our family Burns Celebration.  This was the first nursery event for our January starters and they did well joining in learning Scottish songs and poetry and making up their own dance. The children shared their knowledge of Scots words and enjoyed trying to work out the meaning of new words. Thank you to all the families who were able to attend – the children loved when their families joined in the dancing.

Sharing his thoughts afterwards Luke said.

“I liked ‘When You Shove Your Granny Off a Bus’ ( making a pushing gesture). My mum thought it was a funny one!”

Connor shared his excitement after the event.

. ” I liked marching and singing. My favourite song was ‘Three Craws Sat on a Wall.’  …My family liked it.”

Melissa recalled.

” I liked when we were spinning around. Me and Luke were spinning together!”