Argyll and Bute Council is to expand childcare facilities at Rothesay Joint Campus to address a shortage of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) services on Bute caused by the closure of Rothesay Playgroup in 2020.
The Campus will undergo a number of adaptations, including an increase in floor space and staffing, which will enable the council to deliver its statutory ELC obligations and provide a paid-for childcare service for babies as young as six weeks old, aimed at supporting working parents.
In 2021, all Scottish local authorities made the expanded entitlement of 1140 hours of high quality funded ELC available to all three and four year olds and eligible two year olds.
Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, Policy Lead for Education, said: “The unfortunate closure of Rothesay Playgroup meant there was a shortage of childcare and funded ELC places on Bute. With the exception of the council-run nursery at Rothesay Joint Campus, there is only one other independent nursery on the island, and one childminder, both of whom are at full capacity.
“The changes being implemented at Rothesay Joint Campus will enable the council to meet its statutory requirements on childcare provision and will provide vital support for working parents.”
The extended childcare service is due to start in early 2024.