Children and staff at two nursery classes in Coatbridge marked the official openings of their new facilities with celebrations and songs.
Shawhead and Townhead nursery classes were officially opened by Councillor Frank McNally, Convener of Education and Families, on Wednesday 10 November.
Pupils sang nursery rhymes including ‘you are my sunshine’ to celebrate the occasion.
Councillor McNally said: “The 1140 funded hours programme is supporting thousands of parents and carers benefiting from an increased provision in childcare.
“These two new nursery classes will provide a real boost to the communities they serve – they are part an overall investment of £22million in early years provision across our area.
“In addition to this there have been 500 new jobs created in the early years sector here in North Lanarkshire.
“The new nursery settings provide bright, welcoming spaces – both indoors and outdoors – where children can play and learn to be independent.
“These fantastic new facilities along with the children who attend them and our wonderful staff who work in them will go a long way to achieving our goal of giving all young people the very best start in life.”
Shawhead nursery class is a new extension to the primary school, while Townhead nursery class has seen a surplus classroom and cloakroom area reconfigured. Both have direct access to outdoor play areas.
Helen Paterson, Head Teacher of Shawhead Primary School and Nursery Class, said: “The new facilities have given the whole school a real lift. It’s amazing really – you can see how much the children are enjoying their new home.”
A new parking circle has been created to allow parents and carers to safely drop their children off at the nursery and there are plans to create a new forest in a large, grassed area at the rear of the school.
Fiona Ferguson, Head Teacher of Townhead Primary School and Nursery, said: “We’re loving our new nursey class facilities, the children are so happy and love coming in each day.
“We’ve had a great deal of support from the community, our staff and their family members, which is really appreciated.”
Townhead Nursery Class features two nursery playrooms one with a learning kitchen, a family room, and large play areas at the front and rear of the building.