EDUCATION bosses have pledged they have resolved concerns about the merger of two Southside nurseries.

A consultation on the future of Cuthbertson and Govanhill nurseries showed parents had concerns about playground facilities and distance to travel to the new building.

But solutions have been found for both issues and now councillors have formally approved the relocation of the two early years facilities. 

Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Education, Skills and Early Years said: “The consultation was the ideal opportunity for everyone to make their views known and officers have already found solutions to some points raised during the engagement.

“This includes a new multi-use games area to be constructed in the school playground in the near future.

“As part of the city's commitment to early learning and childcare we are building purpose-built, state of the art buildings that will benefit our children for many years to come.

"Our families are already experiencing the benefits of our 1140 hours expansion plans across the city and offering more places, flexibility and access to high quality facilities, learning and childcare."

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A state-of-the-art new nursery is being built in the grounds of Cuthbertson Primary School and will be renamed Victoria Road Nursery following a public vote.

Additional nursery places had to be created in response to Scottish Government’s pledge to offer 1140 hours of funded childcare to three and four year olds and some two year olds.

When empty, the Govanhill Nursery building will be rented out to partner providers in the private and voluntary sector.

An initial consultation was launched in December 2020 before a statutory consultation ran last year from August to October.

Of 34 responses, 79% were in favour of relocating the two early years establishments into the new building but there were concerns from parents about the loss of playground space for primary pupils.

Parents of Govanhill Nursery youngsters were also worried about the additional walking time to the new site.

Glasgow City Council has agreed playground improvement with the school and parent council to develop the playground space, including a multi-use games area (MUGA).

A committee report also says: “Govanhill nursery staff are working with families to view this as an opportunity, for example, through increased exercise to support well-being.

Glasgow Times:

“A series of family walks will be offered in preparation for the move to demonstrate that the distance is not excessive and the walk itself can be an enjoyable learning experience for children as they walk through their community.”

The resurfacing of the playground has been divided into three stages with the first stage already completed, the second phase will occur over Easter 2022 and phase three will see the MUGA completed in summer this year. 

Local councillor Soryia Siddique said: "I welcome the new nursery in the grounds of Cuthbertson Primary School. 

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"Thanks also to the parent council and everyone who contacted me regarding improving Cuthbertson Primary School play space and I look forward to the MUGA and new improved play space proposed."

The new nursery is expected to be finished around May to June, with the relocation of Govanhill nursery to take place in early summer and the Cuthbertson class to follow in August.