Fenton Barns Nursery

1. To support children to reach their full potential, the manager and staff should continue to develop planning approaches that are both intentional and responsive. Planning should be based on what is known about each child’s development and current interests, with a particular focus on ensuring that experiences for children aged 0–3 years are led by observation and responsive interactions, rather than pre-planned activities. This would ensure all children experience meaningful and developmentally appropriate play and learning. This is to ensure care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'My care and support meets my needs and is right for me.' (HSCS 1.19)

1. To ensure safe and effective staffing, the provider should improve systems to support staff with their Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration. Staff should be registered on the correct part of the register that reflects their role and responsibilities within the service. This will support clear staff deployment, promote accountability and help clarify roles to ensure children are cared for by appropriately registered staff. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which states that: ‘I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled, are able to reflect on their practice and follow their professional and organisational codes.’ (HSCS 3.14)

2. The provider should ensure that new and unqualified staff are consistently supported by experienced and qualified mentors. Mentoring should include regular opportunities for in-the-moment guidance, reflection and modelling of high-quality practice. Sufficient time and capacity should be allocated to mentoring roles to promote staff development, build confidence and improve outcomes for children. Strengthening mentoring in this way would help sustain and enhance the positive outcomes already being achieved in children's care, play and learning. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which states that: ‘I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled, are able to reflect on their practice and follow their professional and organisational codes.’ (HSCS 3.14)