Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have visited Caz’s Kiddies in the Country, a nursery service located in Athelstaneford, which was rated ‘very good’ following a recent inspection.

They met with the nursery’s owner Carol Middleton, manager Sarah Falconi and some of their team to discuss its operation and the challenges the nursery and the wider early years and childcare sector is currently facing.

The parliamentarians were impressed with the high standard of provision at the nursery, which parents described as “caring”, “welcoming” and “a home from home” during the unannounced Care Inspectorate Scotland visit.

Speaking after the visit Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Following the ‘very good’ rating Caz’s Kiddies in the Country received earlier this year I was eager to visit the nursery and chat to Carol and her team about that success and their views on the wider early years sector.

“They clearly focus on treating the children in their care as individuals, with play and learning organised around their interests, including regular local visits. I’m grateful to the nursery team for taking time to chat to us and look forward to hearing more about their success.”

 

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“I welcomed the opportunity to discuss the nursery’s progress over the last few years and hear about the various challenges they, and the wider sector, are facing with maintaining the service.

“The home from home ethos of Caz’s Kiddies is evident from the moment you step into the nursery. Carol and her dedicated staff team clearly provide a very high standard of service which the families using the nursery really appreciate.”

Carol Middleton, owner of Caz’s Kiddies in the Country, said:

“I feel it is important to have discussions with people like Douglas and Martin to ensure that those who don’t work in this sector understand the implications of the continual changes settings like ours need to adhere to from governing bodies.

“There are many demands for unnecessary paperwork which takes the staff team off of the floor, where ultimately the practitioner’s main priority should be the children, not ticking boxes.

“As the owner of this setting and using my experience as a mother, it’s my job to ensure the children have a safe and nurturing environment where they feel loved and respected. Our home from home setting and our team of pink ladies, I hope, meets this and that the care we provide is the best.

“We are unique as we are not an educational establishment, but a childcare provider where our little people learn through play and relationships. Allowing them to thrive at their own pace and be the best they can be without judgement.”