An Aberdeenshire play group has been told it must improve after inspectors ranked it weak – despite it receiving high praise from parents.
Education Scotland visited Monymusk Playgroup, and concluded the curriculum was unsatisfactory and that the learning needs of the children were not being met.
The inspectors graded the group as weak in improving its performance, meeting the children’s learning needs, the curriculum offered and the ability to improve through self-evaluation.
They ranked it as satisfactory in children’s experiences.
In their report, inspectors said: “Overall, the curriculum does not provide children with sufficient challenge, depth or progression in their learning.
“To more effectively meet children’s learning needs, staff will require ongoing support to enable them to be more confident and skilled in using national guidance.”
Education Scotland also said the group must now improve further the quality of learning experiences to ensure children make better progress, improve the curriculum in line with national guidance to meet the learning needs of all children and establish robust self-evaluation and monitoring processes to secure continuous improvement for the play group.
However, they did praise the group for the care provided to the children and the “friendly and welcoming atmosphere”.
Their report added: “Staff show a high level of care for the children. Positive relationships between staff and children are evident. Children enjoy the range of experiences provided by the playgroup.
“The manager is very new to her post. Staff and parents who spoke with me report that she has already made a difference to the quality of children’s experiences.
“She is supporting and guiding staff well. There is a real commitment to improve the work of the setting.”
The inspectors also acknowledged the feedback from a parent survey, with 100% agreeing they were happy with the care and education their child was getting.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The council is working closely with the playgroup committee and staff and will continue to support them to make sure the recommendations from Education Scotland are taken forward.”
