Robert Gordon’s College Nursery has been recognised for the quality of its care, learning and development following a recent unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection, receiving “Very Good” (Grade 5) across all three quality
indicators: Leadership and Management of Staff and Resources; Playing,
Learning and Developing; and Nurturing Care and Support.
The
inspection, carried out in September, identified many “major strengths”
highlighting how children are happy, settled and confident, how families feel
part of the wider College community and how the Nursery’s nurturing environment
and highly skilled staff create engaging learning experiences. Inspectors also
recognised the team’s commitment to learning through play and the
strong sense of community that
underpins the Nursery’s ethos.
Mrs
Johnson, Deputy Head of Junior School, shared: “We are delighted that the Care
Inspectorate has recognised the strength of our Nursery provision and, in
particular, the commitment and expertise of our staff, alongside the strong
partnerships with families that help children flourish from the very beginning
of their journey at Robert Gordon’s College.
“High-quality
early years education is about understanding how children learn and knowing how
best to support their development. Our structured, play-based approach combines
carefully planned learning opportunities with spontaneous experiences that
emerge from children’s own interests, ideas and discoveries. The teaching
expertise within our Nursery, alongside the knowledge, skills and experience of
our Early Years Practitioners, creates a rich learning environment where
children’s curiosity is encouraged and learning is thoughtfully supported. Our
team understands when to extend learning through a question or new challenge
and when to step back and allow children’s play to unfold independently.
“We have a
strong culture of reflection and continuous improvement, with staff working
collaboratively to deepen their understanding of children’s needs and
continually enrich their experiences. It is particularly pleasing to see the
quality of this work recognised by the Care Inspectorate and to know that our
approach is providing such a positive foundation for children’s future learning
and development.”
A strong
sense of belonging was a key theme throughout the inspection. Children
experienced kind and caring interactions from staff who knew them well and were
passionate about their learning. Staff responded sensitively to their
individual needs, helping them develop positive relationships and confidence.
Parents
also spoke highly of the Nursery, describing staff as welcoming, experienced
and nurturing. One parent captured the wider experience particularly well,
saying: “It is a community from the start.”
The
Nursery’s connection to the wider College community was also recognised.
Children benefit from access to a wide range of College facilities and
experiences, including the library, dining hall, playing fields and assemblies.
These opportunities help children become familiar with the wider school
environment and support smooth transitions as they progress through their early
years and towards Primary 1.
At the
heart of the Nursery’s approach is learning through play. Inspectors praised
the balance between planned activities and spontaneous, child-led experiences,
with staff responding to children’s interests and encouraging them to explore,
ask questions and discover new things. From imaginative play and creative
activities to music, science investigations and outdoor learning, children are
supported to develop curiosity, independence and a love of learning.
Crucially, children’s ideas help shape their experiences. When children suggested having snack on a pirate ship, staff brought their idea to life using cardboard boxes. Their interests and suggestions are also captured in group floor books, helping staff build on children’s curiosity and inform future learning. This responsive approach ensures children are not simply participating in their learning but actively helping to shape it.
Mrs Wheat, Nursery Manager, commented: “At the heart of our Nursery is the belief that every child should feel known, valued and listened to. Our staff take the time to understand each child’s interests, personality and individual needs, using these insights to create meaningful opportunities for learning through play, exploration and discovery.
“Children need time and space to become deeply involved in their play, follow their ideas and discover things for themselves. Our role is to observe carefully, listen to what children are telling us through their play and recognise when to offer encouragement, introduce a new idea or provide a little extra challenge. Just as importantly, we know when to step back and let children lead their own learning.
“It is wonderful to see the inspectors recognise the warm relationships within our Nursery and the confidence and curiosity of our children. We are incredibly proud of our team and the nurturing environment they create every day, where children can develop independence, build relationships and grow in confidence as learners.”
Outdoor learning is another important part of the Nursery experience. Children regularly access the College’s outdoor spaces including Countesswells playing fields and take part in experiences such as “Wellbeing Wednesday”. These opportunities support physical development, wellbeing, curiosity and children’s connection with the natural environment.
The inspection also recognised the expertise and commitment of the Nursery team. Staff engage in professional learning and benefit from opportunities to develop their skills, including through working alongside specialist teachers. Inspectors described the team as knowledgeable and highly skilled, with a clear passion for supporting children’s learning and development.
This approach reflects the wider vision for the Junior School and Nursery, where children are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning from their earliest days at RGC.
Mrs Tulloch, Head of Nursery and Junior School, summarised: “This inspection provides wonderful recognition of the care, expertise and commitment of our Nursery team, and of the experience we want every child to have from their very first days at RGC. Our Nursery is very much part of the wider College community, giving children a strong sense of belonging while nurturing the confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning that form the foundations for their future.
“We are proud that the three ‘Very Good’ evaluations reflect the high standards of our provision and our commitment to providing a rich, engaging early years experience. Investing in our staff through professional learning and collaborative reflection is central to sustaining and developing this quality. The inspection also highlighted opportunities to build further on our existing strengths, and our leadership team is already taking action to enhance practice and enrich children’s experiences.
“Above all, we want every child to feel known, valued and listened to, and to have the very best start to their learning journey.”