The nursery years are incredibly special, a time of rapid growth, endless curiosity, and joyful exploration. At Auchinairn EYC, we are privileged to share this journey with you and your child, working together to lay strong foundations for a lifetime love of learning.

We recognise that children arrive with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Through a strong, respectful partnership between home, nursery and the wider community, we build on this to support every child’s individual journey. Our work begins where yours continues, creating a joint responsibility for success and wellbeing.

We also regularly host stay and play sessions and learning events, inviting families to be active participants in their child’s learning journey.

As Head of Centre, I am incredibly proud to lead this vibrant, nurturing, and aspirational setting. Together, let’s create magical memories, celebrate achievements, and instil a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

As a team, we believe that learning happens best through play. Our happy, committed, and skilled staff tune in closely to each child, planning and supporting learning through stimulating, exciting, and meaningful experiences. Our approach is 80% child-led and 20% adult-guided, offering children the freedom to make choices, build independence, and form positive relationships in a safe, welcoming environment.

Children at Auchinairn EYC are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor play through free-flow learning. Our well-defined, child-friendly spaces are thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and confidence. From real tools in our woodwork area to learning about their rights, the environment, and their community, children are empowered to take ownership of their learning and understand the world around them.

As a team we take great pride in promoting:

• Health and wellbeing through nurture groups, our “Wellbeing Buddies,” and risk assessment experiences with our beloved purple elephant, SIMOA.
• Inclusion and rights, underpinned by key documents such as the UNCRC, GIRFEC, and Realising the Ambition
• Strong partnerships with parents, carers, and the wider community, recognising that when we work together, children thrive.

We are committed to supporting smooth transitions, whether from home to nursery, between rooms, or as children move on to school. Every stage is handled with care, ensuring consistency, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

At Auchinairn EYC, we uphold high standards in everything we do. Our strong team ethos ensures that every child is supported to reach their full potential, including those with complex additional needs. Embedding frameworks such as Curriculum for Excellence, Pre-Birth to Three, and Setting the Table, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for all children.

We warmly welcome visitors through our open door policy. Come and see us in action, see our ethos, our relationships, and our learning community come to life. It’s when you walk through our doors that the true heart of Auchinairn EYC is revealed.

Michelle Torrie & Team Auchinairn
(Head of Centre)