A KILWINNING childminder has come in for high praise following an industry watchdog inspection.

Heather Howe, who runs Heather's Hungry Caterpillars Child Minding Service, was described as providing "love and care" to the kids she looks after.

The inspection, which was announced on short notice, was carried out last month before report findings were published this week.

Four areas of the service were inspected, with the childminder's setting and care, play and learning rated as 'very good' - the second highest rating given by the Care Inspectorate.

Good ratings were also returned following the evaluation of Ms Howe's leadership and staff team.

A number of key messages were taken from the report which highlighted the "kind, caring and nurturing approach" of the childminder - who operates the service from her home in Kilwinning.

The report explained: "Children were happy, safe and secure in the childminder's care. They were confident as they moved around the areas of the home, playing together and having fun with their friends.

"The childminder had formed positive relationships with children and we observed warm, kind interactions between the children and childminder.

"The childminder was responsive to children's care needs and ensured they were settled and comfortable within the home environment.

"Positive and trusting relationships had been formed with families. The childminder was committed to ensuring children were well cared for and supported."

Feedback from families was also provided within the report, with commenting they "could not be happier" with the service.

They added: "Love and care is provided to my children along with so many fun things."

The environment provided for learning and play also came in for praise.

The report continued: "The childminder encouraged children to play co-operatively, share resources and be kind to each other. As a result, children were developing their social and emotional skills.

"Personal plans reflected children's interest, preferences and stages of development. Families were fully involved in developing and reviewing their child's personal plan. This ensured continuity of care.

"The childminder knew children well. They understood each child's stage of development and wanted to support children's learning through play.

"They followed children's interests and were familiar with developmental milestones used to track children's progress and development."