Petition to save Garnock Valley Early Years Centre

Hundreds of people are signing a petition to save the Garnock Valley Early Years Centre.

It is being merged with the Early Years Centre at St Bridget's Primary in Kilbirnie instead, in a move North Ayrshire Council says will improve facilities and cause less disruption for the children.

But some parents fear it would do the opposite.

Leah Sneddon's two and a half year-old son has autism. In the petition she says, "The staff are fantastic not only with my son but with myself.

"They go above and beyond to nurture the little minds of our children with patience and love. It really is a home from home for all of these children and for future children alike.

"There is no other service like it in our area. I know my son would benefit from staying at the centre with the staff who he has come to know and love and I know many other children are the same.

"Closing the centre in my opinion is going to be a very difficult time for some of these children and of course the opportunity for future children to thrive and grow in a centre such as this one will be no more."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Garnock Early Years Centre is scheduled to close in 2020.

“A public consultation on plans to extend the Early Years Centre at St Bridget’s Primary and merge with Garnock Valley Early Years Centre ran from January 23 to March 8 this year.

“Proposals were shared with a wide range of interested parties including parents and carers, staff, trade unions, partner providers and childminders among others, and only eight objections to the plans were received.

“The extension will allow for free-flowing access to the outdoor area which will have a covered canopy and external lighting. The plan also features space for lunches and a dedicated parents’ room.

“Garnock Valley Early Years Centre currently only caters for two to three-year-olds, so all children must currently transition to another Early Years facility for their final pre-school year. Under the new set-up, children will be able to complete all of their Early Years education in a single facility.

“While we have every sympathy with the parent, we believe that this centre will result in a much-improved facility which will allow us to deliver the highest quality of care and learning, ensuring our children get the best possible start in life.