A playgroup in West Lothian has been recognised with a gold star by education inspectors for their exceptional dedication to prioritising children’s well-being. Howden Playgroup, located in Howden St. Andrews Primary School Community Wing in Livingston, received high praise for the staff’s warm and supportive attitude towards the children under their care. According to the Education Scotland report, the staff at Howden Playgroup were commended for being excellent role models, effectively assisting children in expressing their emotions and fostering care and understanding among them to resolve conflicts peacefully.
The report highlighted that children at the playgroup are making significant progress in communication, early language development, maths, and health and well-being. It was noted that the children are excelling in various areas of learning, thanks to the inclusive and welcoming environment created by the dedicated staff. Playgroup Manager Cheryl Hawthorne expressed her immense pride in her team and the outstanding report they received. She emphasized the hard work and commitment of the team in providing a nurturing, child-centred experience that supports children’s play and learning, encouraging exploration, curiosity, and creativity while ensuring their voices are heard.
Hawthorne further emphasised that the children and their families are at the core of everything the playgroup does, a philosophy that was clearly evident in all aspects of the report. The commitment to keeping children at the forefront of their activities was a source of delight for the staff. The positive feedback from the inspectors serves as a testament to the playgroup’s dedication to creating a supportive and enriching environment for children to thrive in. The community’s recognition of Howden Playgroup’s exemplary practices underscores the importance of prioritising children’s well-being and holistic development in early childhood education.