Childcare centre set to open

An award- winning childcare social enterprise aimed at supporting children and young people with additional support needs is coming to Ayr.

KO- NEKT has been given planning permission to turn a premises at 9 Miller Road into its new base and is expected to be operational by March.

The enterprise will provide specialist child care to families who have children and young people with additional support needs.

It’s hoped that around 20 children will be able to attend the centre daily and receive the right support based on their particular needs.

Behind the venture is CEO of KO- NEKT, Marianne Greenway, who’s been involved in child care for more than 30 years.

Marianne, 50, from Stevenston, has been running a similarly successful operation in Ardrossan for the last 10 years.

She is now looking to expand KO- NEKT’s services into South Ayrshire.

She told The Post: “We plan to expand this service by opening a second KO- NEKT centre in the town of Ayr.

“The process has already started and we plan to open in spring 2021.

“We know this service is needed, as initial talks with South Ayrshire’s health and social care partnership have been very positive.

“They are looking at their current delivery of services for ASN/ ASD children and are welcoming our move to South Ayrshire.”

The centre will be an activity hub which offers specialist support in an environment which provides active play activities, specialist interest and hobby groups, clubs and events that will encourage skills development, for children with ASN/ ASD and Disabilities.

The centre will also offer access to outdoor and indoor play areas, IT hub, kitchen and open plan café, sensory space, and a training and meeting room for parents.