Construction work has been completed on a new Early Years Centre in East Dunbartonshire.

The new building is one of three new Early Years Centres planned for the area as part of the Council's commitment to deliver on the Scottish Government's requirement for additional hours of early learning and childcare.

From August, all three and four-year-olds, as well as eligible two-year-olds in Scotland, will receive 1140 hours of early learning and childcare each year, almost doubling the original allocation of 600 hours.

Oakburn Early Years Centre offers 101 places for 2-5 year-olds and boasts a range of facilities, including fully equipped playrooms with the latest digital technology, an internal courtyard space for indoor and outdoor play, a mezzanine level with access to a chute to the lower floor, and a large garden space. All aspects of the new build will create a stimulating play experience for children.


The other two new facilities coming on stream over coming weeks are:

• Lairdsland Early Years Centre. Built on land adjacent to Southbank Road in Kirkintilloch, it will offer 95 places and be associated with Lairdsland Primary School.

• Bearsden Early Years Centre. Built on the site of the former Brookwood Library in Drymen Road, Bearsden, it will offer 95 places and be associated with Bearsden Primary School.

Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, Vaughan Moody said: "It is fantastic, after such a difficult year for everyone, to see this Centre open and to know that local families will benefit from all it has to offer. It is a wonderful addition to the high quality, flexible, accessible and affordable early years offering already available in East Dunbartonshire.

"Centre staff have been working diligently behind the scenes to get everything ready and I am sure that the children will love their bright and colourful new surroundings and that families will be impressed by the range of play and learning opportunities.

"It shows the Council’s strength of commitment that we have delivered this project for the people of Milngavie despite the many challenges faced."