Business Details
19 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Falkland
Established in 2007, Smart Cookies Nursery is a family-run childcare provider located in the historic village of Falkland, Fife. Our nursery offers high-quality early years education and childcare for children aged 1 to 5 years, operating 52 weeks a year with flexible session options. We are registered with The Care Inspectorate and maintain rigorous standards of care, evidenced by our consistently positive inspection reports. Our approach emphasizes outdoor learning, community engagement, and partnerships with parents to ensure each child's development is nurtured in a safe, stimulating environment. With a team of qualified practitioners and a focus on continuity of care, we provide tailored support that aligns with individual needs and family values.Our facilities include age-specific gardens, interactive learning spaces, and access to Falkland's unique historical and natural resources. We offer funded childcare provision through Fife Council, financial assistance guidance, and free settling-in sessions to ensure smooth transitions for new families. Our reputation for excellence is reflected in parent testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations, with 100% of surveyed parents confirming they would recommend our services. Through continuous staff training and adherence to current legislation, we maintain our commitment to creating a happy, educational environment where every child is recognized as a 'Smart Cookie'.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Learning Sessions
Funded Childcare Provision
Settling-In Sessions
Parent Partnership Program
Flexible Session Options
Community Engagement Activities
Qualified Practitioner Care
Financial Assistance Guidance
Transition Support
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Family-run nursery with 17+ years of experience in early years education
- Care Inspectorate-registered with consistently positive inspection outcomes
- Specialised outdoor learning programmes using local historical and natural resources
- Free settling-in sessions to ensure smooth transitions for new families
- Experienced practitioners with SVQ3/HNC qualifications and continuous professional development
Associations and certifications
- The Care Inspectorate
What people say
Friendly staff
Genuine interest in children
Challenging activities
Real tools projects
Positive progress tracking
Services
Early Years Education
Structured educational programmes for children aged 1-5 years following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Our qualified practitioners deliver age-appropriate activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based learning. Sessions incorporate both indoor and outdoor environments to support holistic development.
Outdoor Learning Sessions
Daily outdoor activities utilising Falkland's historic village setting and countryside surroundings. Children engage in nature exploration, environmental awareness, and physical development through supervised visits to local woods, streams, and historical sites. Equipment includes balance bikes, investigative resources, and loose parts for creative play.
Funded Childcare Provision
Government-funded childcare for eligible 2-5 year olds through Fife Council partnership. Provides up to 1140 free hours annually (22 hours/week), saving families up to 6,612 per year. Includes breakfast provision and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working parents' needs.
Settling-In Sessions
Gradual adaptation programme for new children featuring free, unlimited sessions tailored to individual needs. Staff implement a step-by-step process allowing children to build relationships and familiarity with the nursery environment at their own pace, supported by regular parental communication.
Parent Partnership Program
Collaborative approach to childcare involving regular parent consultations, home-link books, and daily diary updates. Parents contribute to staff appraisals and nursery development through formal evaluation reports, with opportunities for direct involvement in children's learning activities and community projects.
People
Irene Tudor
Nursery Owner / Manager
MA in English & Psychology with teaching qualification since 1973. Over 45 years' experience in education and management. Leads continuous improvement in nursery standards while maintaining approachable leadership style that supports staff and families.
Ross Tudor
Nursery Owner / General Manager
Qualified practitioner specialising in outdoor learning and STEAM education. Develops hands-on projects that build children's problem-solving skills through practical activities like DIY construction and nature exploration.
Tracy Thomson
Nursery Manager
BA in Childhood Practice with 17+ years' experience across public and private childcare sectors. Oversees daily operations and staff training while maintaining focus on individualised child development.
Pamela Winton
Office Administrator
25+ years' administrative experience across financial, industrial, and childcare sectors. Manages nursery administration and parent communications with organisational expertise developed through diverse professional background.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children from 1 year old until school age, with separate facilities for under-2s and older children.
Are meals/snacks provided?
Morning and afternoon snacks are included in fees. Parents provide packed lunches or may opt for nursery meals.
How do you support transitions?
Free settling-in sessions with gradual separation steps help children adapt at their own pace, supported by experienced staff.
What qualifications do staff hold?
All practitioners have SVQ3 or HNC qualifications (or higher), with ongoing training and PVG registration.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Yes, we welcome drop-in visits during operating hours or scheduled tours to experience our nursery environment.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain daily communication through home-link books, regular updates, and formal evaluations to ensure collaborative care.
