Our staff are committed to providing the highest standards of professional childcare and education.  Before beginning employment at Cradle-Hall Nursery, all staff are thoroughly vetted in accordance with Care Commission Requirements (i.e. an enhanced Disclosure Scotland police check, a medical reference and two written references).

Cradle-Hall Nursery is committed to providing training and development for all staff including: SVQ 2, 3 and 4 in Early Years Care and Education, First Aid, Child Protection, Food Hygiene, Health and Safety and Child Development.

Continued Professional Development (CPD) is also available to all staff through the joint Highland Council and Care and Learning Alliance Training Programme which covers all aspects of the Scottish Office Curriculum Framework (3 - 5 Years) and Birth to Three: Supporting our Youngest Children.

We pride ourselves in keeping our staff long term and many are mature mothers or grandmothers themselves. Photographs of the nursery staff are situated in the entrance hall. 

 You, as parents are the prime educators of your child in their earliest years therefore we welcome and encourage parent’s involvement in the nursery.  We have an ‘open door’ policy in place therefore a member of staff is always available to listen to your comments and suggestions.

Effective communication between parents and nursery staff is important to provide the best possible care for your child.  We would appreciate if you could inform nursery staff of any circumstances, either temporary or permanent which may affect your child’s emotional or physical well being to ensure your child receives additional support if necessary.  A member of staff will be available to speak to you on a daily basis to discuss your child’s progress and answer any questions you may have.

You will be kept informed of nursery events and activities through our notice board in the entrance hall, newsletters and via our website.  In your child’s room you will also find notice boards giving information on the day’s activities.

All information regarding your child/family will be kept in the strictest confidence in accordance with the Data Protection Act. 

Cradle-Hall Nursery is registered with the Care Commission who are the registration and inspection body for all pre-school centres in Scotland.  The nursery is inspected by the Care Commission on an annual basis (usually unannounced) to ensure the high standards of childcare and education laid down in the National Care Standards are being met. Cradle-Hall Nursery’s inspection reports are of a consistently high standard.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education also inspects the nursery to maintain high standards of education for pre-school children in both the Birth to Three Document and the Curriculum Framework 3 - 5 years. These inspections take place with the Care Commission although are less frequent.

Cradle-Hall Nursery is a member of the Care and Learning Alliance (formerly Highland Pre-school Services).  CALA provides training and support for our nursery staff in all areas of childcare and education.  The nursery achieved a Quality Assurance award through Highland Pre-school Services.

Cradle-Hall Nursery has an extensive number of policies and procedures in place including: Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, Child Protection, Partnership with Parents, Allergy Procedure, Prevention of Infection, Additional Needs Policy.  All our policies and procedures are displayed in the hallway for your information or you can request copies from the Nursery Manager.