Created on: 06 Mar 2025
The Educational Institute of Scotland, has today, marked World Book Day with the launch of a new book entitled Mochara goes to Nursery, to help welcome young children who are new to Scotland.
Mochara goes to Nursery is an extension of existing EIS welcome packs, with the story being specifically written for nursery-aged children. The book follows Mochara as she arrives in Scotland and gets ready for her first day in nursery. She is understandably nervous and the story focuses on the warm welcome and support she receives from nursery staff and her new friends, as she navigates these different surroundings. Mochara goes to Nursery is available in 8 languages with the English text sitting alongside one of the other languages in each version of the book. This allows parents and children to explore Mochara’s adventures together.
The books were premiered at a special event at Whinhill Primary School in Greenock, with children from the school’s nursery class in attendance to hear Mochara’s story and to take part in a range of related, age-appropriate activities.
Commenting, EIS Ex-President Paula McEwan, a Primary teacher in Inverclyde, said, “It's been amazing to see the different stages of Mochara come to life. And the name says it all – these books are a welcome – a welcome to our earliest learners and to their parents, from the EIS, from the establishments using the resource and from their learner friends who will share the story with them.”
Ms McEwan added, “Early years learning lays the foundations of how our children relate to, understand and accept others. Mochara promotes that acceptance, encourages empathy, and has equality, diversity and inclusion writ large in an age and stage appropriate way. What better message to send to our youngest, and for some, our most vulnerable learners, as they begin their learning journey in Scotland?”
Speaking at the event, Whinhill Primary Headteacher Liz Ruddy said, “At Whinhill Primary and Nursery Class, inclusion and acceptance are very important. It links with our values and underpins all that we do. We are a nationally accredited School of Sanctuary. We understand that schools are at the heart of their community and we have a powerful role in building a welcoming culture, and ensuring that families seeking sanctuary are effectively supported. Whinhill is a place of safety for those fleeing conflict or seeking asylum and a place where they can thrive.”
“Mochara goes to Nursery is a welcome resource to support our work. It celebrates the youngest members of our school and nursery family and will ensure that our youngest children and their families will feel safe and welcome.”
And the books were a resounding hit with the children and young people in attendance. Reflecting on what they had heard, one nursery pupil said, ‘I liked that Mochara felt welcome at nursery and thought it was nice that she wasn’t afraid at the end of the story.’ A secondary pupil also commented, ‘Mochara could be inspiring as she shows the kids how it is to move country and start over. Mochara can be relatable for young children.’
A video of Paula McEwan reading Mochara Goes to Nursery is available on the EIS website.
Notes for Editors
Comments from young people at the launch event included: