Play project is up for new quality award

The Little Explorers’ Nursery Day (LEND) is in the running for a Quality Improvement Award.

The awards have been set up by the Scottish Government and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, to highlight good practise 
in services for babies, children, young people and families.

LEND was set up in 2014 by the East Dunbartonshire’s Early Years and Supporting Families Service in conjunction with Community Planning Partnership in Kirkintilloch.

The Little Explorers’ Nurture Day (LEND) has been shortlisted in the ‘Co-production With Families and Our Services Award’ category.

The play project runs each week with the aim of creating a welcoming, nurturing, supportive, play-based day project for local children and their families.

It has more than achieved its aim.

From a starting point of an average of two families attending, there is now an average of 40 each week, with a high point of 83 families.

Parents and carers can get information and advice on positive parenting, breastfeeding, healthy eating and maximising income.

An average of 10 projects take place each week.

The programmes include ‘Men behaving Daddly’ – family football; EDLC Story Stars; EnableToy Lending Library; Baby Drop In; Free Healthy Breakfast; Toddler and buggy walks; Messy Play; Zumba and Waist Winners; Imagination Library; and Cook up a Storm family cooking project.

Convener of Education, Councillor Maureen Henry, added: “To be shortlisted for these brand new awards is a great achievement for a wonderful scheme which has improved the lives of families in the community.”

The group will find out if they have been successful next month.