STAFF at a Clydebank daycare have cause for celebration after they were praised for “forming brilliant bonds with the kids” during a recent inspection.

Clydebank Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) were subject to an unannounced visit by the Care Inspectorate on April 25.

The facility received a glowing report with the centre graded ‘very good’ in two out of four evaluation points.

The report states that children were observed “having lots of fun and enjoying their play” and staff interactions were “fun, enabling, and empowering”.

It added: “Children were nurtured and supported well throughout their daily experience.

"Children and their families received a warm and personal welcome from staff when they arrived at their playrooms in the morning.

“The daily routine was sensitive to children's needs and staff used now and next boards and visual prompts to help some children prepare for transitions throughout the day.

“Each child had an allocated key person, who was responsible for ensuring their group of children felt safe, secure and cared for.

“Parents agreed that: ‘The staff are amazing and form brilliant bonds with the kids.’”

The care watchdog notes that improvements had been made to issues highlighted during previous visits.

This includes staff trialling a rolling lunch so that there would be fewer children in the lunchroom at any given time.

The report goes on to add: “We could see that recent improvement work had been carried out around lunchtime routines and family engagement.

“Families had welcomed the opportunity to come back into the setting after Covid-19 mitigations were relaxed.

“Parents told us they knew how to make comments and suggestions if they felt the need. Comments included: ‘This is a great service as it is but it is always a good policy to listen to all who enter.

“'Whether that be a child, parent, grandparents, workers at all levels ... everyone's opinion is important' and ‘I am confident with the leadership in this service as I can call and speak about anything and know that it will be kept in confidence.’”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: "We are delighted with the positive feedback received following a recent unannounced inspection at Clydebank Early Learning and Childcare Centre. 

"The report highlighted the continuous improvement of the leadership team and staff to provide quality care, nurture and support for children and families daily.

"The report also praised the children’s engagement in their learning, participation in both indoor and outdoor activities."