A new Early Learning and Childcare provision is being established at Heriot primary school, in recognition of a growing need within the local community of Heriot and the surrounding area.
The setting will operate alongside the rural school, offering 1140 hours of early learning and childcare for three and four-year-old children. Initially the setting will operate as an indoor/outdoor nursery with a view to developing a fully outdoor provision in the future. It is hoped that this new setting will act as a catalyst for growing the school roll and sustaining a thriving community in Heriot.
Open day
Parents and carers who are interested in finding out more about the new Heriot nursery are invited to an open day being held on Thursday 13 November from 10.30am to 12 Noon at Heriot primary school. Everyone is welcome and the Headteacher and staff, along with a representative from the Early Years Team will be on hand to answer any questions parents and carers may have. The open day is taking place ahead of Early Learning and Childcare enrolment week, which runs from Monday 17 to Friday 21 November.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Heriot and the wider community. I would encourage all parents, carers, and children to come along to our open day on Thursday – speak with school and nursery staff and other parents and find out more about our offer of this new and innovative nursery provision for Heriot.”
Rich Williams, Chair of Heriot Primary School Parent Council:
"We're delighted that SBC have committed to opening this much-needed new nursery in Heriot. Our amazing outdoor space means this new setting can be inspired by a 'forest nursery' type of approach while also enjoying close ties with our high-achieving, rural primary school.
"At the school we have pupils from Heriot, as well as children from Midlothian and further afield in the Scottish Borders who have chosen to come to Heriot via placement request - we hope that our new nursery will attract a similar range of families.
"We hope to be able to offer both breakfast club and afterschool care via Heriot Country Kids - who have been providing afterschool care at the primary school for over 10 years - so we think this nursery will be a really appealing option for families.
"If you're choosing a nursery during Enrolment Week this year - or in future years - we encourage you to come to our open day on Thursday 13 November. We look forward to showing you around."