A SOUTH Ayrshire nursery has been praised in an inspection report – but has also been told there is room for improvement.

Two members of watchdog body the Care Inspectorate visited Cairn Early Years Centre in Maybole last month in an unannounced visit.

The centre, which is run by South Ayrshire Council, provides daycare for a maximum of 71 children from two upwards.

The inspectors gave the centre marks on a six-point scale, with a grade of four being 'good' and three 'adequate'.

The centre was judged 'good' for the quality of its staff, care, support, play, and learning.

Its setting, facilities and leadership were judged to be 'adequate', following the inspection on March 2 and 3, stating that "strengths outweighed weaknesses".

However, the inspectors noted that the centre's setting was expected to improve when it moves to purpose-built premises in the new £59 million Maybole Community Campus, which is due to open in the summer.

Overall they found the children happy and settled at Cairn, but said youngsters would benefit from 'effective monitoring and supervision' being in place.

Their report added: "Staff greeted children and their families warmly on arrival. We observed kind, caring and respectful interaction.

"Parents were very positive about the centre. Children were nurtured with lots of cuddles, songs and storytelling.

"The pace of the day was comfortable and met children's needs. "

Overall the inspectors found that the strengths of the nursery in key areas far outweighed its weaknesses.

They also detailed where the improvements could be made.

The report added: "Accident, incident and medication procedures should be updated to ensure they meet GDPR requirements and best practice guidance."

"Records and systems did not always capture progression in learning or how the staff would support children to reach their full potential.

"Performance should be constructively reviewed, and effective support planned and evaluated.

"This will ensure children are supported to reach their full potential by staff who are well led and managed."

South Ayrshire Council has been approached for comment.