A CLACKS early learning centre has received a favourable report following an unannounced visit at the end of last month.

Clackmannan ELC was ranked “good” in three of the four areas evaluated and scored “very good” in the other by the Care Inspectorate from the visit on Monday, January 23.

On a six-point scale where 6 means “excellent” , “good” equates to 4, whilst “very good” is a 5.

The ELC was graded 4 in staff, leadership and care, play and learning categories and was awarded a 5 in setting.

Inspectors reported that children enjoyed a “positive, sociable experience” which focused on individual decision making.

Children were given freedom to choose their own snack times, allowing for the kids to gain independence and benefit from uninterrupted personal time.

Inspectors praised the inclusion of quiet spaces where children to spend some alone time or relax, which they found benefitted some individual children’s needs.

Staff were praised for the relationships with the children, including regular check ups on the child’s well-being.

Inspectors stated: “Children were supported to understand and express their emotions through a variety of resources and planned activities, including daily emotion check ins.

"As a result, children were supported to develop their ability to understand their feelings, which provided them with important emotional literacy skills.”

Councillor Graham Lindsay, education spokesman, said: "This inspection report shows the high quality learning and childcare that is provided in Clackmannanshire, helping our children to get the very best start in life.

"Well done to the caring and dedicated staff of Clackmannan ELC for providing such a nurturing environment for the children here.

There have been no complaints upheld since the last inspection.

Visit careinspectorate.com for the full report and to view inspections of other centres in the area.