A number of planning applications have been lodged for more nursery accommodation at Highland schools as the council prepares to comply with new Scottish Government Early Years legislation.
From next August, all three- and four-year-olds – and some two-year-olds – are entitled to 1140 hours of free early learning and child care, a leap from the current 600 funded hours per year.
Two Alness primaries are in line for more nursery accommodation, Obsdale in Milnafua, and Coulhill in Coulpark.
In Obsdale, part of the playground has been earmarked for one single-storey modular nursery classroom, cloakroom and toilets.
A similar building is planned for Coulhill, with additional work required to deal with the difference in level between the school car park and the new building.
Avoch has also put in for a single storey nursery extension, served by a central kitchen and to include servery, staffroom, office/reception, cloaks and toilet accommodation.
Ben Wyvis in Conon Bridge is looking for a substantial extension to house six new classrooms and a nursery classroom.
These would form a central courtyard with the existing school.
Recently it emerged that in Inverness city centre Crown Primary School is looking to use the hall in a neighbouring church for up to 60 nursery children it cannot accommodate in its current premises.
Argyll & Bute is also powering ahead with its 1140 provision, with an extensive programme of refurbishments and extensions to existing properties under way to assist with the delivery of the extended hours.
By August 2020 all 60 local authority nurseries, 24 partner providers and 16 child minders will be phased in, and it is expected that the number of child minders delivering 1140 hours will increase.
The early years expansion has increased employment opportunities in the area with more than 70 new posts being created including child minders, admin and other support staff.
Argyll & Bute Council is also working closely with the Scottish Child Minders Association to promote child minding as a career with a view to recruit more staff.
The council is also undertaking an extensive programme of refurbishments and extensions to existing properties is also under way to assist with the delivery of the extended hours.
