Muirkirk nursery class set for new start
01 Feb 2012 09:53:01
Nursery education for Muirkirk tots will no longer take place off-campus, as the pre-school class is set to move from its present building to Muirkirk Primary School, from August 2012.
East Ayrshire Councillors agreed the proposal last week, following full public consultation during September and October 2011. Letters were issued to stakeholders, a public meeting was held in Muirkirk Primary – and even children in the school and nursery were asked for their opinions.
Most parents were positive about the proposed move. NHS Ayrshire & Arran responses indicated that it would ensure a greater integration between nursery and primary and therefore support smoother transition.
A mind map was used to gather comments from nursery children and they were introduced to Mr Crow, a puppet bird with a nest overlooking the new nursery class.
Some of the children wanted to see flowers and a tree planted. Another child liked to build houses and measure things – he hoped he could do that in the new nursery.
Muirkirk Primary Pupil Council members also gave their views. One young person originally thought the move was not a good idea because the nursery children would ‘miss out on feeling older, making new friends and having surprises’. She changed her mind to thinking it was ‘a brilliant idea’, after having a look at the plans.
Councillor Jim Roberts, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “The relocation of Muirkirk Primary School and Nursery Class into the main campus of the primary school will enhance the education, care and experience of our very youngest children.
“They will benefit from a building designed for the delivery of a 21st century curriculum.
“We will ensure that there is a smooth transition from the current site to the new site. Nursery children will be fully integrated into the school in playrooms with direct access to an outdoor play area. There will also be an outdoor classroom to the front of the school, designed to promote active learning.
“Staff will be able to work more regularly together to plan the curriculum and share expertise”.
Current arrangements, with the nursery located separately, mean a journey of one mile for the headteacher to visit her charges in the nursery class.
Cost to incorporate the nursery within the school, including alterations to the car park, is £175,000.
In an Education Scotland report, HM Inspectors noted that parents felt the Council had provided appropriate opportunities for them to express their views and were generally positive about the proposal.
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For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk