SNP minister gives seal of approval to new nursery

THERE was ministerial approval for Moray’s newest nursery when the revamped Lady Cathcart Centre in Buckie was formally opened. On Monday morning theSNP Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd MSP in town to set the seal of approval on the new facility, which has undergone a £672,000 refurbishment. The revamp forms part of the Scottish Government’s national programme to expand Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision for all three and four-year-olds, plus eligible two-year-olds, to 1140 hours a year by 2020. Ms Todd unveiled a plaque for the occasion after meeting the children in the nursery and receiving a guided tour by nursery staff. Guests were welcomed by Moray Council chief executive Roddy Burns, who then invited Ms Todd to say a few words. Praising the facility, Ms Todd said: “The commitment to providing 1140 hours of early learning is really challenging. “We know that the early years of life are the most important and children carry these experiences with them through their lives. “I’m absolutely delighted to be here to open this facility
and I know it’ll make an invaluable difference to the lives of the children here.” Ms Todd then went on to reveal that Lady Cathcart was a landmark for her, being the first such plaque she has unveiled in her ministerial career. Buckie councillor and chair of Moray Council’s children and young people’s services committee Sonya Warren described the new nursery as a “welcome boost” to provision
in the area. “Now the children have settled so well into their new nursery it’s been fantastic to officially open the doors to Lady Cathcart,” she said. “Having the minister with us today was exciting for the children, who were obviously keen to show off their nursery, and reinforces the commitment to quality early learning and childcare from Moray Council. “With up to 50 places available at Lady Cathcart, and some
other nurseries in the area operating a waiting list, we know it will be a welcome boost to early learning and childcare places in Buckie. “I look forward to seeing this nursery grow and flourish like the others here and to seeing what other developments the expansion brings to the whole of Moray.” Fellow Buckie councillors Gordon Cowie and Tim Eagle added their voices to the
chorus of praise. Councillor Cowie said: “It’s great to see this building getting money spent on it as it will be a great facility for the youngsters of Buckie. “It was been a school for a long time and with this regeneration it’s been back to its former glory. With the longer hours available and the facilities it will be a good asset for Buckie and our residents.” Councillor Eagle added: “I was fortunate to get a tour of the nursery recently and was amazed by the changes. It is a lovely light and warming
space now with lots of room for young children to learn and a lovely outdoor space as well as equipment for those with more complex needs. “Today marks the official start of a new stage in early learning and childcare here in Buckie that I hope will be fully utilised by many parents over the coming years.” Lady Cathcart Nursery is the first to open in Moray under the ELC expansion. The refurbishment includes new changing facilities, a family room and special provision for children with additional support needs