THE merging of the nursery with Gartocharn Primary has been hailed as a success as a statutory consultation is launched into its future.

The early learning centre (ELC) would come under the management and leadership of the primary’s head teacher under the formal plans.

But West Dunbartonshire is also facing a wider expansion of child care in light of the Scottish Government’s plan to up free ELC hours from 600 to 1,140 by 2020.

It will require a substantial increase in investment and the ELC workforce, the education services committee heard last week.

John McDonald, head teacher at Gartocharn Primary which has had its ELC integrated and will now be subject to consultation, said: “I think it’s hugely exciting. To see these children come from one to three and be involved with them from a very early age is an exciting thing and I’m really looking forward to it.”

St Eunan’s Primary head teacher Anne Docherty said the past year since the ELC merged with the primary had been a successful one.

She said: “In terms of the connection with nursery staff, we are very much one team now, sharing practices, and that’s been really important for moving forward. There’s a process that starts with our three-year-olds and that’s a very natural point.

“This is very much about working together. Another advantage is the connection with parents. It’s great to connect with parents of three-year-olds who are coming in now. I’m loving it.”

Options being considered are a mix of provision, including classes and stand-alone centres and the need for 52-week availability for some parents who will also have variable hours for which they need child care.

Laura Mason, chief education officer, said the council has fulfilled the existing 600-hours requirement and now must consult with parents about the considerable expansion.

She said: “It’s a huge piece of work but we are very much on the case. We are going to have to expand what we have got so within each area our aim will be to have a stand-alone centre with 52-week provision so there’s a level of choice.”

Ellen McBride, the Catholic Church’s representative on the committee, said the expansion was “wonderful” for the area but appealed for the secretarial staff in schools to ensure the needs of extra parents were met.

Council leader Martin Rooney praised the “huge investment in our kids”.

He said: “I think West Dunbartonshire is well placed because we did have spare capacity in our schools. Because we didn’t dispose of all the properties we have we will be able to cope.

“We have been fortunate that our staff have been on the ball with this as well.”

SNP group leader Councillor Jonathan McColl said: “I welcome this and echo the positive comments. It speaks volumes to hear that strong support from head teachers who have been doing it for some time. It gives me a lot of confidence going forward.”

Early estimates of costs are put at between £6-£7m being met by the Scottish Government.