A new nursery in Moray spent its first day with children in temporary accommodation yesterday due to coronavirus delays building its permanent home.
Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS) announced earlier this year it would be opening a purpose-built branch on the grounds of Keith Grammar School after the summer holidays.
However, delays with construction due to the pandemic have resulted in staff temporarily setting up in the town’s Longmore Hall.
Manager Eleanor Smith said: “We’re obviously disappointed that our new facility isn’t ready, yet another side effect of Covid-19, but we’ve spent months working with the council to prepare the hall so that it’s ready to provide children with a unique learning experience.
“Following the ‘curiosity approach’ the setting brings old and new resources together to create an inviting and stimulating setting for children.
“Children have opportunities to investigate, be creative, problem solve and develop critical thinking skills while a dedicated and motivated team will support their learning across all areas of the curriculum.”
Yesterday youngsters played with dinosaurs, used building blocks and experimented with cooking equipment on their first day in the nursery, which caters for children aged between two and five.
FCSS has opened in Keith as part of efforts to support the Scottish Government-funded roll-out of paid-for childcare to 1,140 hours for every child.
The operator uses a model to allow families to pay for care by the hour to address concerns about “inflexibility” about when care is needed.
Susan McGhee, chief executive of FCSS, said: “It will help families to save money, it will allow parents and carers to continue working and children are more likely to attend and experience the benefits that high quality early learning and childcare brings.”
