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Gold star report for Dalry Early Years Centre
Dalry Early Years Centre has been praised by the Care Inspectorate for creating a warm, nurturing and safe environment for young people.
The watchdog made an unannounced inspection in September this year to carry out a full and thorough assessment of the staff and facility.
And after spending two days at the Centre – where they spoke with young people, parents/carers, staff and senior management and observed practice and daily life – came to the conclusion that their experience was an extremely positive one.
Some of the findings include:
- Children were safe, secure, and emotionally supported
- Children's individual needs were well understood
- Children who required additional support received timely and effective intervention
- Children experienced rich and varied play opportunities indoors and outdoors
- Staff were warm, respectful, and purposeful
- Indoor and outdoor spaces were thoughtfully arranged to promote independence
- Leadership was strong and improvement-focused
During their visit, the inspection team spoke to one parent who said: ‘The staff are amazing, always got time to chat and will help any way they can’ while another commented ‘I have been involved in my child's plan from the moment they started at the nursery. All my views are taken into account.’
The inspection also described the facility as a ‘welcoming, spacious, and well-ventilated environment’, while playrooms were equipped with age-appropriate resources and natural materials that supported children's play, learning, and creativity.
As well as parents, staff were also spoken to. The interactions with members of staff were just as positive with one saying: "We regularly review our practice as a team and discuss what's working and what's not before making decisions." These approaches led to clear improvements in areas such as lunchtime routines, enabling environments, and opportunities for parental involvement.
Quote: This is a fantastic inspection report and a huge well done to all the staff and wider support team for creating this brilliant environment for the young people and their families. There is clearly a real connection between staff, young people and the parents/carers which is really working to benefit everyone. It is such an important stage in a young person’s development and it’s great that Dalry Early Years is giving them such a positive first step on their educational journey.”
Quote from: Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People
Donna Riddell, Head of the Centre, added: “The staff team are delighted to be recognised for their hard work and commitment to children's health, wellbeing and learning. A big thanks to every member of staff, the families and of course are young people who are absolutely fantastic."
Published: 06 November 2025