Sector Leading Aberdeenshire Pre-School Nursery is recognised as only one graded as ‘Excellent’ in all four categories by Care Inspectorate

POPPIES Pre School Ltd, in Laurencekirk (South Aberdeenshire), has received official confirmation that they have retained their grades of ‘Excellent’ across the board, following an unannounced inspection in March 2023.

Established in 2007, Poppies continues to excel and deliver the highest level of care and learning for young children in Laurencekirk and beyond.

The nursery is led by Sharon Imray who holds a Post Graduate Degree in Early Childhood Practice with a Froebelian Pathway. Her passion and drive for Early Years education and excellence continues to be acknowledged by the sector. 

Sharon has guided and nurtured the Poppies team to become a reflective and forward-thinking nursery with a Froebelian ethos. They use the Froebelian principles to support and deepen their understanding of Froebel’s work and consider ways to work and adapt their practice to fit the 21st century.

Amongst other achievements, Poppies is a holder of an ELC Outdoor Achievement Award, a green flag nursery and has won a Nancy Ovens Outdoor Play Award.

Sharon said: “We have a sound commitment to play, and in particular ‘play in the outdoors’, the nursery offers an environment which allows each child to grow and develop at their own pace. Our garden at Poppies is the culmination of years of work because we believe firmly that the children should be able to fully immerse themselves in and through nature.”

Having proven their ability to put theory into practice with exceptional success, the nursery itself is keen to share and disseminate the benefits of their Froebelian approach.

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Sharon’s innovative and inspirational approach to Early Years has also resulted in:

• Published education resource “Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice”, which won the Nursery World Best Educational Resource 2021. 
• Co-authored an Educational Pamphlet for the Froebel Trust highlighting the importance of Sewing with Young Children.

For any professional body or person who is interested in visiting Poppies Pre School Ltd in Laurencekirk, please register your interest at:

[email protected]