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A COMMUNITY CENTRE in Buckie is to receive an investment of around £600,000 that will see a complete refurbishment of the lower level.
Part of the Scottish Government’s expansion of early learning provision being rolled out throughout Scotland, the work will include a new heating system and state-of-the-art early learning and childcare facilities.
These will allow a stand-alone nursery at Lady Cathcart Community Centre which will operate on a flexible basis all year round.
The refurbishment starts a programme of works that will increase the flexibility of early learning and childcare on offer in Buckie and allows the potential for the facility to open for 10 hours a day if the demand exists.
The expansion of funded hours, which increases for three and four year olds and eligible two year olds from 600 hours a year to 1140 hours a year by 2020, means nursery provision in Moray will be transformed into a more affordable option for many families.
Consultations with existing staff and organisations currently using the building commenced last autumn, resulting in alternative arrangements being offered in the locality.
Following the investment announcement, Corporate Director for Education and Social Care, Laurence Findlay, said: “This is a huge investment for Buckie where existing early learning and childcare facilities have been at capacity for some time.
“Refurbishing the nursery at Lady Cathcart and having an additional provision in Buckie will allow all nurseries in the area to continue to deliver the quality early learning experience we want for our children.
“We are at an exciting juncture for this sector and the opportunity to provide another standalone nursery in Buckie will be of great benefit to many children for years to come.”
Work is expected to begin by the end of February and be completed in time for the start of the August 2018 term.