Open night celebrates newly-refurbished Catrine Early Childhood Centre

Youngsters had been attending Catrine Primary School since work began in 2021 to give the centre on Newton Street a makeover.

The new centre includes a wonderful outdoor activity area for kids to enjoy, as well as plenty of scope for fun indoors, as well.

Cllr Leitch enjoying the new additions. (Image: Cllr Claire Leitch and Cllr William Lennox FB) (Image: NQ Archive)

It was decided in 2020 to refurbish the early childhood centre, rather than move the ECC to the Cevic in the village.

Councillors had previously agreed to purchase the Catrine Environmental Visitor Interpretation Centre (CEVIC) for use as an early childhood centre, as the preferred option to early years provision in the village, for a more 'modern' building.

However, after receiving staunch opposition to these plans, it was decided that the current building would instead undergo the makeover.

Ballochmoyle councillor, Claire Leitch, was one of those in attendance at the open night, and she was delighted to see the result of the hard work that has gone into modernising the building.

A great indoor setting for the kids. (Image: Cllr Claire Leitch and Cllr William Lennox FB) (Image: NQ Archive)

She said: "Thank you to head teacher Judith Govans, of Catrine Primary School and Early Childhood Centre, who made us aware of their open evening held last night [February 1] to celebrate their smashing refurbished setting in the Early Years Centre.

"Brand new resources, lovely and fresh multi-use spaces, outdoor area. As you can see, I fair enjoyed the logs bit.

"I had some really good chats with dedicated staff and there was a decent variety of info stands relevant to having a young family and for the current climate.

"The best bit though was seeing such a brilliant turnout from the community and all the young folk enjoying the spaces.

"Thanks again for having me!"