AN exciting new era lies ahead for youngsters in the Garnock Valley as they prepare to move to a brand new £40 million campus.

Children attending the Early Years Class at Glengarnock Primary will soon be packing up their pens and paper in preparation for their big transfer to Garnock Community Campus.

The new campus is in the final stages of construction and will open its doors for the first time in January next year.

As well as accommodating pupils from Garnock Academy and Glengarnock Primary, the campus has a specially-created centre for the early years pupils. This new provision will also provide places for two-year-old children.

Scott Callander, Depute Head of the Community Campus, said children from the early years class were excited at the prospect of starting the New Year in a new home.

He said: “The children are really looking forward to it – they have already been involved in designing and selecting the new badge for the campus so they really feel a part of it,” said Scott.

“There will be a touch of sadness at leaving our old premises but we are all looking forward to the fantastic facilities at the new campus.”

As the school prepares to make the move, parents have also been presented with the great news that extra sessions have just been made available for two to four-year-olds in the early years class.

In addition to the normal 16-and-a-quarter hours each week which the children are entitled to, parents will now have the option of purchasing extra sessions at £3.70 per hour. The new set-up will mean that the centre will be operational from 8am to 6pm during term time.

Mr Callander added: “These extra sessions are aimed at parents who are perhaps looking to get back into work or further education but need to access that additional bit of childcare provision. It will also provide the option of additional childcare provision for parents who are currently in education or employment.

“The new campus will have an increased capacity, with the three to five-year-old room able to accommodate up to 30 children from 8am–6pm. In addition, there is also provision for two to three-year-olds from 8am–6pm.”

Councillor for Kilbirnie and Beith John Bell, Cabinet member for Education, said: “The pupils and staff at the early years centre have really enjoyed being part of Glengarnock Primary School and it’s clear they are now looking forward to being part of the new campus.

“I know they will enjoy the fantastic new facilities and it’s going to be an exciting start to the New Year for everyone.”

The new £40 million school, community and leisure campus will serve the Garnock Valley’s three main towns – Kilbirnie, Beith and Dalry – and bring together pupils who currently attend Garnock Academy, Glengarnock Primary School and Glengarnock Early Years Class.