ARDEER residents looking to explore the possibility of becoming a registered childminder are being encouraged to take up a fantastic opportunity of free training later this month.

North Ayrshire Council is hosting the free course aimed at providing local residents with more information on the role and how they can get started.

Delivered over four days, the comprehensive training will equip attendees with the necessary skills and information needed to develop a career in childminding.

Attendees must complete all four sessions which will be held in Ardeer Community Centre from 9.15am-2.45pm on: Monday, April 23; Thursday, April 26; Monday, April 30; Thursday, May 3.

During the training, attendees will discover what is required to become a childminder.

Childcare will be provided to anyone that requires it to enable them to complete in the course.

And a start-up grant of up to £300 will be available on completion of the training and registration.

Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member of Education and Youth Employment, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Ardeer residents.

“Across Scotland, entitlement to fully funded early years and childcare is due to increase from 600 hours to 1140 hours by 2020.

“In preparation of this expansion, we are looking to grow North Ayrshire’s network of childminders, starting with Ardeer.”

Contact Carol Wilde or Helen McNaughton on 01294 324067 / 324066 or email cwilde@northayrshire.gov.uk or hmcnaughton@north-ayrshire.gov.uk