Nurseries in Inverclyde are rated among the best in Scotland

Inspectors found that local early learning centres were above the national average for very good grades.

Watchdogs say that 76 per cent of nurseries are very good and found that none were weak or unsatisfactory.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, the council's education convener, believes the report is a big endorsement of the council's approach to pre-five education.

He said: “The report shows that following an independent assessment Inverclyde nursery and early learning services are among the best in the country.

"This will be very welcome news for parents and carers.

"As a council our commitment is giving our young people the best start in life.

"This shows how well we are doing in providing nurturing well run nursery and early years education in Inverclyde and that our area continues to be one of the best places in the country to bring up a family."

Over the past years a total of six council establishments for tots have been inspected - Binnie Street Children’s Centre, Bluebird Family Centre, King's Oak Nursery Class, Larkfield Family Centre, Moorfoot Nursery Class and Wellpark Children’s Centre.

The councils' services were all rated either good or above across the board.

Two partnership nurseries were also inspected – Enchanted Forest Nursery in Inverkip and the West College Scotland Nursery and they received good grades.

Provost Martin Brennan said the findings of inspectors were very positive and that local staff were 'striving towards excellent grades'.