About Us
Every Child is a
‘Smart Cookie’.
Definition -”A ‘smart cookie’ is someone who has done something worthy of note and been commended for it.” e.g been kind to a friend, learned something new…
Smart Cookies is a family run nursery in the heart of Falkland. We opened in 2007 and are very proud of our excellent reputation and the fact that visitors always comment on our friendly, happy atmosphere. We provide high quality early learning and childcare to children from approx. 1 year of age until they start school.
We are registered with The Care Inspectorate which regulates and inspects care services to make sure they meet the right standards.
Our Opening Hours
(Why not pop in and see us)
We are open 52 weeks of the year. (closed 1/2 days at both Christmas and New Year)
8am till 6pm Monday to Friday
We offer full and part time places and whenever possible offer flexible places to cover ‘shift’ work.
Our Aims
happy children
who are kind and enjoy learning
happy parents
confident to leave their child in our care
happy staff
with the expertise and passion to make the above a reality
Working In Partnership With Parents
We work closely with parents/carers and welcome being approached with suggestions or for advice. Together we can ensure that we know your child and the best ways to make sure they enjoy nursery, grow and develop.
We have an excellent reputation with all of our parents saying they would definitely recommend us. Most of our enquiries are from word of mouth recommendations.
Parents’ views make a significant contribution to our nursery development and we welcome their input and suggestions. Their contribution to Staff Appraisals is much appreciated. (see parents Evaluation Report for 2018 and 2019 below)
Policies & Procedures
At Smart Cookies we have an open door policy which means that you, as parents/carers, are welcome to come and see what we are doing at any time. Your child's records can be accessed on request.
Polices and procedures are developed in line with current legislation and guidance and reviewed regularly.
All polices and procedures are available on request.
Our Location
Smart Cookies Nursery
Smart Cookies is located in a large ‘C listed building in the beautiful, historic village of Falkland. We have the countryside right on our doorstep.
We are closer than you think!
just 5 minutes drive off the A92
within a 10 minute drive of Markinch, Glenrothes, Ladybank and Freuchie
15 minutes from Cupar and just 30 minutes away from Perth, St Andrews and Dundee,
Our children have come from far and wide.
Falkland
The Nursery is in the midst of buildings which are over 200 years old and is surrounded by old cottages with marriage lintels, thatched roofs, pan tiled roofs and cobbled streets. We even have a palace!! This allows the children access to a unique environment.
Our local area provides fantastic opportunities for outdoor play and learning. For example, whilst we are out and about in the village we spot signs, shapes, colours, animals, numbers and learn about road safety. As ‘Nature Detectives’ we explore the fields, woods and streams all year round.
A child took this photo of Falkland when they were on a nursery walk up Falkland Hill (East Lomond)
Can you see where Smart Cookies Nursery is? Tap on the photo to see if you were right!
We are Part
of the Community
We love being part of our local community and the children are involved with many aspects of village life such as:
visiting the local shops for groceries, to buy gifts and to post letters
recycling our waste using our local recycling point.
visiting Falkland Palace and Gardens - we are so lucky to have this historic National Trust for Scotland property a few minutes away
visiting the bank to pay in money collected for charity
visitng the library van fortnightly so the children can choose books and collect books they have requested
playing at the play parks at Back Dykes and Balmblae
having visits from Toppy Star Shetland Ponies (and checking on the ponies when out for a walk)
having visits from ‘people who help us’ including the fire brigade, police, paramedics and local farmers.
All of this enhances the children’s development and is great fun!!
Our Nursery Team
Management
We know that only with effective leadership can we provide a high quality service which meets the needs of all our children, parents/carers and staff.
We are committed to keeping up to date with current thinking, legislation and guidance, sharing our knowledge and expertise to support and advise staff.
We pride ourselves on being approachable and helpful when working with children, parents/carers and staff to make Smart Cookies a happy place for all.
Irene Tudor
Nursery Owner / Manager
Irene has an MA in English & Psychology, a Certificate in Education and a Diploma in Professional Studies in Education. Irene has been involved in Education since she qualified as a teacher in 1973. She has wide experience in education, management and training.
Ross Tudor
Nursery Owner / General Manager
Ross is a qualified practitioner with particular interest in the outdoors and STEAM. He is enthusiastic about working with the children to fix/ build things and loves helping them to develop problem solving skills.
Tracy Thomson
Nursery Manager
Tracy has an HNC in Early Education and Childcare and PDA in Childhood Practice. Tracy has an BA in Childhood Practice. With over 13 yrs experience in both council and private settings, Tracy is passionate about her work.
Susan Vaughan
Office Manager
With a background in banking and over 10 years experience at Smart Cookies, Susan is the go-to person for queries about sessions, fees, funding etc.
Our Practitioners
We want you to have complete peace of mind when your children are in our care so we employ the best staff and continue their training throughout their employment.
We only employ people who are cheerful, genuinely love working with children and enjoy being part of a highly professional team.
Our staff have a range of qualifications and experience and come from a variety of backgrounds. All practitioners are trained to either SVQ3 or HNC level (or above) and our apprentices are in the process of gaining these qualifications.
Staff are thoroughly vetted via references, registered with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and have PVG registration with Disclosure Scotland.
Our staff generally work 4 days a week from 8 am to 6pm to ensure continuity of care – so you are dropping your child off to and picking up from the same staff member.
currently on maternity leave