A PROBLEM-HIT nursery now looks set to close after losing its council contract in plans to extend a Kilwinning care home .

An application to change use of the building adjacent to Buckreddan Lodge Nursing Home on Irvine Road from a day nursery to residential care accommodation was approved last week.

The plans would see The Little Deers nursery close with the residential home element of Buckreddan to be extended.

The nursery school previously lost its contract to provide care to children with North Ayrshire Council last year after it failed to meet the Scottish Government’s minimum standards following inspections by the Care Inspectorate (CI).

A letter from the nursery, which looks after up to 115 children, to parents and carers states: “We are sorry that North Ayrshire Council will not be renewing its contract with Little Deers.

“However, we sincerely hope with new management on board we can renew this in the future.”

The centre’s management changed in January and, according to one parent, the new manager had not been made aware of the issues raised by the inspection.

The latest CI report, completed on December 12, includes comments from five parents complimenting staff for their professionalism and positivity. However, the report graded the quality of management and leadership as weak.

Inspectors found that medications forms continue to be inaccurate and food menus did not match what the children were receiving.

Inspectors were also concerned about the lack of knowledge and poor practice regarding infection control.

Buckreddan Nursing Home’ s owners were contacted by the Times, regarding the plans, but were unable to respond before publication.

Staff at the care home previously expressed the team’s thanks and gratitude for everyone’s kindness and gifts to staff amid the pandemic.