THE team at Cairndow Community Childcare were delighted with the report they received following an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate.
The inspector praised the centre for effectively working together to create a welcoming and homely environment where children could confidently access a wide range of play and learning experiences.
The inspector particularly highlighted the importance of the centre to the surrounding communities: children enjoyed a wide range of visits within the local community, including regular walks and visits to the beach, woods, and the nearby aquarium. These experiences widened their play and learning opportunities and helped children develop a strong sense of belonging to their local community.
The centre was awarded good and very good grades, and the full report is available on the Care Inspectorate website.
Over the years, the staff, dedicated voluntary committee members, and directors have worked with determination and belief in their own community and the wider community of Argyll to create and sustain this facility for the area. It has become a vital part of the infrastructure of the area and, with living in an area of declining population, the group sees providing family-friendly facilities as vital for attracting new families to live and work in Argyll.
A spokesperson for the centre said: Everyone at the Fyne Den appreciates the recognition of the quality of care provided for our youngest Argyll residents and look forward to looking after them for many years to come.
Cairndow Childcare is the only facility providing all-day childcare, all year round, within a 30-mile radius of its location. It provides Early Years Education for 3- to 4-year-olds, as well as childcare for children from 6 months old.
Recognised as a key facility in the area, it is supported by local businesses, including McCraes and Ardkinglas Estate, as well as the Clachan Flats and An Suidhe Wind Farm Trusts, Here We Are Community Fund, Argyll and Bute Council Third Sector grants, and many individuals who make donations of cash or in kind to help keep the centre running.
