CHILDREN and staff at a Bonhill daycare hub have cause for celebration after receiving top marks from the Care Inspectorate.

Ladyton Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) was rated ‘excellent’ during its first-ever unannounced visit from the care watchdog in June.

The facility received three ‘very good’ ratings for the quality of its care, play and learning, as well as its setting and leadership.

Staff were rated ‘excellent’, which is the highest evaluation the Care Inspectorate can give.

Ladyton ELCC provides care to 28 children aged between two and four years old. It is part of the wider St Ronan’s Primary School campus.

During the visit, inspectors noted that children were being well supported to reach their full potential and there was a “genuine feeling of happiness within the staff team” which provided a fun and loving environment in which they could thrive.

The report highlights that play areas were well resourced and laid out effectively, with the outdoor environment offering wee ones a “wealth of opportunities” for meaningful play and learning.

It reads: “There were good opportunities for children to experience physical challenge, including hills and slopes to negotiate, large mature trees to swing from and a playhouse on two levels.

“There were areas for quieter play and covered areas to offer shelter and shade from the weather when needed.”

The report goes on to add that families were very happy with the progress their children were making and that staff knew the children well, including what they like and what was important for their care.

It reads: “Throughout our visit, we observed a staff team who treated children with warmth and respect.

“Children had formed close attachments with their keypersons and other members of staff, which showed us they felt loved and secure in the setting.

“Children and staff chatted together confidently throughout our visit. Staff positioned themselves well within the setting both indoors and outdoors to ensure they were able to meet children's needs and provide effective care and supervision.”

The care watchdog notes that there have been no complaints upheld since the service was registered.