In what was an otherwise highly rated service Marybank Primary School Nursery has been criticised for poor facilities.
The Care Inspectorate staged an unannounced inspection late last month to assess the nursery.
Inspectors described the toilets and nappy changing facilities as “very poor and keeping them clean and hygienic would be impossible.”
They blamed that on the “multiple surfaces, chipped tiles and design (toilet bowls are too big for nursery children).”
The report added: “We strongly suggest that the state of these toilets are raised with the appropriate department and that changing nappies on the toilet floors should not take place until appropriate facilities are installed for nursery children.”
That stands in contrast to the high assessment for quality of care and support which given the second top rating of “very good” and quality of environment which was rated “good.”
Inspectors “found that there was a very good standard of care within the nursery and attending was a positive experience for children and their families.
The report continued: “We observed a positive, caring ethos within the nursery with staff providing a warm, nurturing environment.
“Children were encouraged to make choices and on the day of inspection they had decided when and how long to play outside along with what equipment was to be accessed.”
It added: “Staff knew children very well and comforted the young children when required, gave the older children responsibility and generally supported them as individuals.”
The net effect was that the children at Marybank nursery were “problem solving, socialising, working as a team and investigating.”
A spokesman for the Highland Council confirmed that the school management team will continue to work with colleagues in taking actions on issues raised and note the Care Inspectorate ratings of very good care and support, and good quality of environment.
