Parents consulted on new nursery plan

East Renfrewshire council is putting the £966,000 nursery plan — for a site at Newford Grove — to consultation.

If approved, the new facility could open for the start of the 2015/16 school session.

According to a council spokeswoman, demand for places in the area’s four council nurseries — Busby, Carolside, Netherlee and Eaglesham — is high, with occupancy rates at an average of 98 per cent.

She added: “Busby and Eaglesham have both already increased the number of places on offer and Netherlee will be offering 20 more places in August.

“Parents have not always been able to secure a place in their nearest or first choice nursery as a result of demand.

“The new centre would help alleviate pressure on places and could offer parents some flexibility.”

The new family centre would offer 60 places in the morning and 60 in the afternoon.

The proposal follows new government legislation which will increase the entitlment of children to a pre-school education from 570 hours to 600 hours per school session.

Parents of children at nursery level, those whose children will attend over the next two years and any other interested parties are invited to share their views at www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk, or by emailing [email protected].

The consultation closes on June 10.