Innerwick's innovation recognised

I’m delighted their innovation and impact has been recognised by the Scottish Government and will be shared across the country

The Scottish Government has recognised Innerwick Early Years Setting (Innerwick Nursery) as a setting of innovation and impact for Early Years and Childcare. The nursery is one of only six settings across Scotland that has been chosen for a project that will see its work shared across the country so that others can learn from it.

The Scottish Government had committed to identifying excellence in Early Years settings as part of its expansion of early learning and childcare. The evidence can be developed and shared across the sector, raising awareness of pioneering practices that offer the best outcomes for children.

Following extensive self-evaluation, Innerwick’s early years team spent time developing its approach to play-based learning, introducing loose parts play and developing creative ways that make positive impacts for the children. Children in the nursery are fully involved in planning their day through ‘map-do-review’ to choose their activities. During its 2016 visit to the nursery, the Care Inspectorate reported that this process encouraged reflection, commenting that children were actively engaged in play and encouraged to be independent through a range of opportunities including outdoor play. Feedback from parents has been very positive with many noting that the stimulating experiences their children receive at nursery have changed how they play at home.

Innerwick’s Senior Early Years Practitioner Sarah Laing said: “We are extremely passionate about children’s right to play and the many benefits it brings. Our children play with a real intensity and can hold their attention on their ideas for a sustained period. They are imaginative, resourceful and work well together when playing inside or outside. Involving and including families has been vital and it’s great to hear that they are also seeing a positive impact at home from the stimulation children receive in nursery.”

Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services Councillor Shamin Akhtar said: “Sarah and the Innerwick team have worked hard to develop an approach that makes a real impact for their children. At the heart of this achievement is the team’s desire to provide the best early years experiences for the children and to involve them and their families in all that they do.

“I’m delighted their innovation and impact has been recognised by the Scottish Government and will be shared across the country.”

A small team drawing together Scottish Government Improvement Team, Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland will work with Innerwick nursery staff to develop evidence of their innovation so this can be shared along with details from the other five settings.