STAFF at an early childhood centre in Cumnock have come in for glowing praise from inspectors.

A new Care Inspectorate report into the Cherry Trees Early Childhood Centre hails the efforts of staff in forming "positive attachments" with children and singles out their "commitment to delivering a quality service".

The care watchdog says a number of 'areas for improvement' identified after a previous visit have all been met - though East Ayrshire Council, which operates the centre, says work will continue to improve the experience at the centre.

During the visit, inspectors spoke with staff, children and parents/guardians at the school to gain an understanding of life at the centre.

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Their report rates the care, play and learning at the centre, as well as its setting, leadership and staff team, as 'good'.

Key messages from the report included a mention that "children benefitted from positive attachments with staff", and that "the management and staff team were committed to delivering a quality service for children and families."

It was added that a number of previous areas for improvement had been met by the centre from the previous Care Inspectorate visit.

Included in the feedback was one comment from a parent whose child attends the ECC.

It said: "The staff are very warm and welcoming and always support my child".

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The report added: "Children benefitted from positive attachments with staff. Children were relaxed and comfortable.

"We observed children inviting staff into their play.

"For example, children outdoors actively sought out staff to join them in exploring the mud kitchen. We saw children confidently approach staff for cuddles, comfort and affection."

Another parent added: "Kind, friendly staff have gone above and beyond to provide a fantastic service to my son."

The inspectors said the centre's outdoor space needed to be enhanced, but said management and staff had already identified this as a priority - and that children had been involved through staff asking them what they'd like to see.

East Ayrshire Council said it welcomed the feedback in the report, adding that work is ongoing to continuously improve the centre.

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A local authority spokesperson said: "The inspection was very positive with the ECC scoring good in every category.

"The inspectors recognised that the children had positive attachments with staff, that they had fun and were supported in their development through play and exploration.

"The management and staff were also recognised as being committed to delivering a quality service for children and their families.

"The report also highlights the warmth and kindness shown by staff, which makes the children feel secure and loved.

"The council can also confirm that all the previous areas for improvement identified by inspectors have been met.

"The report does highlight the need to improve the outdoor space, and the ECC will continue to work towards achieving this."