Cowgate’s perfect 10!

Cowgate Under 5s Nursery has made it on to the shortlist of three competing to be named the best nursery in England, Scotland and Wales.

The nursery scored what is believed to be the best-ever inspection report for a pre-school nursery earlier this year.

Now, head teacher Lynn McNair is off to London along with three other members of staff – Donna Begg, Lian Higgins and Maureen Nicol – to see if they have won the top award.

Linda said: “It has been wonderful for us. The parents are absolutely delighted, they’ve been celebrating with us already. The kids have taken the press and TV in their stride.

“We’re the only Scottish nursery shortlisted, so that is really nice. We’re all planning to wear tartan down in London.”

A joint report by HM Inspectorate of Education and the Care Commission praised the centre’s high performance, strong record of improvement and very effective leadership, while taking the exceptional step of not making any recommendations for further change – in other words,10 out of 10.

Lynn praised her “highly motivated staff, exceptional parents” and her young pupils as “the main inspiration”.