Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Tain and Alness
Established in 2004, we are a family-owned group of three nurseries in Tain and Alness, dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and early education for children aged 0 - 12 years. Our approach centres on creating a loving, nurturing environment where children thrive through play-based learning, tailored to their individual needs. With over 70 staff members, including highly qualified professionals, we prioritise staff development through accredited apprenticeships and continuous training, ensuring our practices align with national educational standards.Our nurseries offer full-time, part-time, and after-school care, complemented by a wide range of activities designed to stimulate creativity, physical development, and social skills. We maintain strong partnerships with families and the local community, fostering inclusivity and open communication to support each childs journey. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 'Excellent' Care Inspectorate ratings and our focus on creating memorable, joyful experiences for every child in our care.
Services
Childcare Services
After-School Club
Holiday Club
Funded Places
Apprenticeship Training
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We are family-owned nurseries with over 20 years of local expertise in early years education.
- Our staff hold accredited qualifications and participate in ongoing professional development programmes.
- We offer tailored learning environments with a 1:3 baby room ratio and outdoor exploration opportunities.
- Our nurseries have achieved 'Excellent' ratings from the Care Inspectorate for quality assurance.
- We provide seamless transitions to primary school with curriculum-aligned educational frameworks.
Associations and certifications
- Care Inspectorate
- Enhanced Accreditation
What people say
Caring staff
Safe environment
Excellent communication
Thrived in care
Prepared for school
Services
Childcare Services
Our childcare services cater to children aged 012 years, offering structured routines in a safe, homely environment. We focus on developmental milestones through play-based learning, with staff trained to support individual needs. Services include baby room care, toddler groups, and pre-school programmes aligned with Curriculum for Excellence.
After-School Club
The after-school club provides supervised care for children aged 512, combining homework support with recreational activities. Sessions include arts and crafts, outdoor play, and themed events, ensuring a smooth transition from nursery to primary school while accommodating working parents' schedules.
Holiday Club
Holiday clubs operate during school breaks, featuring themed activities, community outings, and creative workshops. Children engage in nature walks, water play, and cultural events, maintaining educational continuity while offering flexible full-day care options for families.
Funded Places
We offer government-funded childcare places for children aged 25, including 30 hours per week for eligible families. Funding applications are supported by our team, with meals and resources included to reduce parental costs while maintaining educational quality.
Apprenticeship Training
Ankerville delivers SQA-accredited apprenticeships in childcare, training over 30 modern apprentices annually. Our programme combines practical experience with theoretical learning, preparing candidates for careers in early years education while enhancing workforce quality across Highland settings.
People
Carol MacRae
Managing Director
With over 40 years in early years education, Carol founded Ankerville Nurseries in 1999. She champions staff development and environmental investment, ensuring high standards across all settings while balancing family life with her Cockapoos.
Fiona MacRae
Manager
Fiona has led Ankerville House and Baby Unit since 1999, specialising in creative learning through stories and music. A dedicated 'dance mom', she fosters imaginative play and maintains strong family communication.
Sarah Cameron
Manager
Sarah has managed the Alness nursery since 2001, focusing on individual child development. She values outdoor activities and community engagement, balancing work with family time and walking excursions.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years across our nurseries, offering baby rooms, toddler groups, pre-school, and after-school care.
Are funded childcare places available?
Yes, we offer 3–5-year-old funding and 2-year-old eligibility assessments, with support for childcare voucher usage and flexible top-up sessions.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold relevant childcare qualifications, with ongoing training provided. We also run SQA-accredited apprenticeship programmes for continuous professional development.
How do you support transitions to primary school?
Our curriculum aligns with Curriculum for Excellence, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills to ensure children are school-ready and confident learners.
What activities are included in holiday clubs?
Holiday clubs feature themed outings, water days, obstacle courses, and community trips, combining educational continuity with fun, active play experiences.
How are parents kept informed about their child's progress?
We use online learning journals, regular newsletters, and direct communication to share updates, photos, and developmental milestones with families.
