Staff at a nursery service in Auchinleck have been praised for their "nurturing" work in a new report.

The Care Inspectorate recently published the findings of a visit to Auchinleck Early Childhood Centre (ECC).

The council-run facility received stellar feedback on its staff, management, setting and learning for youngsters.

Inspectors said they found "significant strengths" in a number of the ECC's day-to-day aspects.

Its care, play and learning, leadership and staff team were all rated 'very good', while the setting was described as 'good'.

Key messages from the report mentioned that "children were having fun playing together and making friends".

It added that "strong relationships had been built between the service, children and families."

Parents and guardians provided feedback which was included in the report by inspectors.

Speaking about the staff's care for children at the ECC, one parent said: "Staff are very nurturing and caring and know my child inside out".

Another added: "My child has built a strong bond with her key worker but also all other staff.

"Management is visible and present at all times."

First-hand accounts of how staff interacted positively with children were also added to the report.

It said: "Staff knew children very well and were knowledgeable about their needs and preferences.

"Children were provided with additional support when needed, and staff worked collaboratively with other agencies.

"As a result, children received care and support that was right for them."

The report concluded that previous areas for improvement had been met by the service, and said no complaints had been upheld since the last inspection.