A new Early Learning and Childcare provision at Heriot Primary School has been officially opened.
The event, which took place on Friday 4 September at the nursery, saw nursery children and their families, staff, local councillors and the wider Heriot community come together to mark the occasion.
Families continued the celebrations into the afternoon with a family fun day, arranged by the Heriot Country Kids afterschool club.
Growing need in community
The nursery was established in recognition of a growing need for Early Learning and Childcare within the local community of Heriot and the surrounding area.
The setting, which operates alongside the rural school, offers 1140 hours of early learning and childcare for three and four-year-old children within an indoor/outdoor nursery. It is hoped that this new setting will act as a catalyst for growing the school roll and sustaining the thriving community in Heriot.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning
"I am delighted to officially open Heriot Early Learning and Childcare setting today. This is a fantastic opportunity for Heriot and its wider community, and I'm hopeful we will see enrolment grow each year.
"The setting is currently operating as an indoor and outdoor nursery, but the long-term vision is to provide a fully outdoor provision, with greenspaces and opportunities for the children to spend time outdoors."
Rich Williams, Chair of Heriot Primary School Parent Council
"It was really special to see the new nursery children starting at Heriot last week, joining our P1 class in a specially refurbished classroom. SBC, parents and the amazing team at the school have worked together collaboratively to make this dream for our village become a reality, and we thank everyone for their incredibly hard work.
"We know that children going to the school and nursery really benefit from the smaller class sizes and outdoor facilities we have here. Wraparound care until 6pm is also available Monday-Thursday for nursery to P7 children, via our Care Inspectorate-regulated Heriot Country Kids afterschool club.
"We encourage families from Heriot, Fountainhall and the surrounding areas to come and take a look at the new setting - places at the nursery and school are available, please contact the school on 01875 835223 to arrange a visit."
Susan Anderson, Headteacher of Heriot Primary School and ELC
"I am delighted to welcome nursery children and their families to our new ELC provision at Heriot Primary. It was wonderful to see them join the Heriot school community at the start of term last month and join us to celebrate the official opening.
"It is a lovely nursery, and there are plans to create more outdoor provision which I’m sure will help in continuing to grow enrolment."