Minister praises two centres of excellence

Feb 14 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram paid a visit to Hamilton this week.

During his visit the South of Scotland MSP spoke to youngsters and staff at the Early Learning Unit in Avon School, Carlisle Road.

A report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education published on January 9 commended the unit’s very effective practice.

The report highlighted good curriculum progress being made by children, successful promotion of a healthy lifestyle, strong leadership, effective staff teamwork, and inclusive arrangements in place to encourage learning for all children.

Mr Ingram said: “To help give children the best start in life, Scotland’s nurseries must provide young children with a stimulating and nurturing environment in which to learn.

“The Early Learning Unit in Hamilton is a great example of a nursery that is doing this, supporting children to develop and encouraging their progress.

“The Scottish Government are committed to expanding pre-school provision. We want to ensure that the good practice offered by the Early Learning Unit is achieved by all nurseries across the country.”

He later officially opened the new Children’s Hearings Centre and Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration’s (SCRA) offices in Carid Park, Hamilton.

The Minister toured the centre to see how the new premises create more comfortable and efficient facilities for children and families, SCRA staff and Children’s Panel Members.

The new Children’s Hearings Centre and offices opened its doors in Hamilton House in 2007.

This week’s visit marked the official opening of the premises that brings together more than 50 staff from SCRA offices across North and South Lanarkshire, and SCRA regional headquarters for Central West Scotland.

Douglas Bulloch, chairman of SCRA, showed Mr Ingram around the new offices.

Mr Bulloch said: “Hamilton House provides excellent facilities for children and families attending hearings, as well as providing comfortable accommodation for staff and Children’s panel members.

“One of SCRA’s core functions is to provide suitable accommodation to enable children and families to participate in Children’s Hearings. The opening of our new premises in Hamilton is part of SCRA’s wider property programme that aims to continually enhance Children’s Hearings’ accommodation across Scotland.

“It also reflects SCRA’s commitment to working with our partners in the Children’s Hearings System to ensure vulnerable children get the help they need when they need it.”