A MENSTRIE childminder has been given reason to celebrate after receiving top marks in a new report – for the fifth time in a row.

Wendy Holt, who runs The Wendy House in the Hillfoots town, received an unannounced visit from the Care Inspectorate on September 20 of this year and after careful consideration, received all sixes, the highest the marking scheme goes to.

The childminding service is run from her home and can be accessed by up to eight children at a time, depending on the ages of the kids.

The report secured top marks across the board with sixes for Care and Support, Environment and Management and Leadership. The staffing was not assessed.

This follows a similar level for Wendy, who from her first care inspectorate report in 2011, has never scored below a six in any category in any of her five reports.

At the time of this inspection, there was one child present who was described as "very relaxed and confident" in Wendy's care.

There was a high number of positives outlined, including the "extremely warm and nurturing environment" where the individual needs of children remained a "high priority".

The report said: "Throughout the inspection we saw warm, caring and nurturing interactions between the child and childminder. The child affectionately approached the childminder who gently responded to their non-verbal request for cuddles, promoting a feeling of security and being well cared for."

The report also found a key strength of the service was the relationship between Wendy and parents.

"A particular strength was the level of family involvement and working with parents to support their child's development," the report continued.

"The strong links between the childminder's and home promoted a high level of continuity of care."

Describing the environment, the report said the children were being cared for in a "nurturing, stimulating, safe, clean and homely environment".

The report added: "Children experienced a trusting, calm and pleasant environment as the childminder skilfully encouraged positive behaviour and friendships."

Such is the impressive nature of Wendy's track record that industry experts have been keen to pass on their praise.

Maggie Simpson, chief executive of the Scottish Childminding Association, said: "I would like to congratulate Wendy on her outstanding achievement of consistently maintaining Grade 6 through all her inspections.

"Working from her own home, she is a shining example of a professional childminder who is providing an unrivalled continuity of care, offering a unique and flexible approach to quality childcare whilst looking after her children in a family setting.

"It is well recognised that childminders provide the best start in life for children and it is fantastic that Wendy is receiving the recognition she deserves."