Amy moved from England with her son to start a new teaching role in Keith Grammar School in Moray.
She was excited about the move and her new role but also extremely worried about how she would manage childcare for her 2 year old son.
With no friends and family, term starting soon and limited childcare options in the area, Amy was beginning to panic.
Thankfully one of her new colleagues recommended Strathisla Children’s Centre in Keith.
Unlike many services in the area Strathisla opened from 8am-6pm and supported 2 – 5 year olds as well as offering a breakfast and out of school club for primary school children.
It seemed too good to be true, would Amy find a space?
“I contacted the nursery,” she explained, “and the manager got right back to me with a place. As childcare places are quite difficult to find, it was a massive relief to secure a place for my son so quickly. Gillian also very kindly gave me guidance about how to enrol in the nursery as well as other aspects of childcare and healthcare arrangements that are different from England.”
Amy was delighted, and so was her son.
“Since he started his induction in August, he has loved every day at the nursery. As a sole parent who works full time and has no friends or family nearby, it’s such a relief to know that he’s somewhere where he is so well looked after. The nursery practitioners know all the children as individuals and arrange various learning opportunities for the pupils; both within and out with the setting. It has been so wonderful to see my son develop academically and socially to such a high degree in the short time he has been there.”
The Centre is operated by Flexible Childcare Services Scotland, a national charity that delivers a flexible childcare model which allows parents to create bespoke childcare sessions, add extra hours or change their sessions completely in line with their shift patterns or other commitments. This unique model provided a lifeline to Amy.
“In February, I was appointed the Principal Teacher of English. Despite the increase in responsibility, the nursery has worked with me to support Edward and I when I have later evenings for meeting etc. The flexible nature of bookings means I don’t have to worry about the hours that my son needs from week to week and he absolutely loves it!
“Every day after nursery, he is full of excitement and enthusiasm about what he has done and also who he has played with on the day. He tells me constantly about the care he receives. Strathisla Children’s Centre reminds me of the old saying that ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. I am extremely grateful to Gillian and the other practitioners at the setting and have nothing but the highest praise for them.”
