Articles about Holy Corner Community Playgroup
HMIE Report May 2024
We are delighted that the Playgroup's HMIE Report has now been published, and that Playgroup has been rated as 'good' on both indicators 'Learning, teaching and assessment' and 'Securing children's progress'. This report recognises strengths including community values, collaborative working and the development of our Playgroup outdoor environment.
A huge thank you to everyone within our community, and externally, who contributed to this report.
An HMIE inspection is an inspection of a school or early learning and childcare establishment in Scotland by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Education (HMIE). The purpose of these inspections is to promote improvement and innovation in the education system.
HMIE inspectors focus on the following areas:
- The quality of children's learning and achievement
- How well the school supports children's development and learning
- How well the school improves the quality of its work
- The school's capacity to improve
Please read the results of our latest HMIE report here.
Quality Assurance in a Childcare Playgroup
Nursery and School Guides Edinburgh published an article about our Playgroup's long-standing place within the community and our ability to adapt over the years to support our children.
'Holy Corner Community Playgroup is celebrating over fifty years of nurturing young minds. Discover how this parent-led community setting enhances children's social and play values!' (caption from Facebook post by Nursery and School Guides Edinburgh)
You can read the full article here.
Testimonials from our Parents/Carers
What did you value most during your time at Playgroup?
'The care and attention of staff; the community family feel.'
'Community, nurturing environment and deep sense of care for children.'
'The way that staff get to know each child and give truly child-led care. The community of children, staff and parents and sense of everyone being involved.'
'The nurturing environment. Staff were supportive and proactive at transition into playgroup and at key times for our daughter. Staff knew her and her interests well and these were always planned for.'
'The nurturing Practitioners, the free play environment, the slow start. The sense of community.'
'The care and the relationships provided by staff. Each child gets quality time with each staff member.'
'The warm and professional bond of Ms Fahmida, who helped our daughter settle and learn to socialise.'
'The abundance of play resources and helping my child settle into a childcare setting. There is a lovely strong community spirit and it was the right introduction for us into an education environment.'
'The ethos, values and the freedom of play the children experience at the playgroup. We have appreciated the communication with the staff on a daily basis on how our children have been during the day. This is something invaluable to know as a parent.'
What has been the biggest impact on your child's experience of Playgroup?
'Staff supporting our son to develop an independent voice (e.g. being able to say when he wants to do a different activity, when he needs a break or space).'
'The Playgroup has provided a very safe and positive space for our daughter to socialise and make first friendships and interactions with others, independently. Her confidence & independence has grown hugely in her time here.'
'How kind, nurturing, caring the staff are. It was the perfect first environment away from family for our daughter. As a family, we also really appreciated the opportunity to be involved.'
'The way the Practitioners see and value each child, allowing the space to grow and thrive at their own pace.'
'The freedom of play, particularly in the outdoor area.'
'The abundance of toys to aid imaginative play.'
'The staff - supporting potty training, settling in and my child’s interests.'
