Benefits of new nursery

Dear Editor,

As a former resident of Westwoodhill, I was surprised to hear that there were objections to the idea of building a community nursery on the site of the football pitches.

I often used the children’s park at the side of the pitches and observed that they were generally deserted.

Friends have complained to me about the high incidence of dog dirt on the pitches and I wonder in what manner this serves the local community.

Naturally, any plans to change a locality should be properly researched and residents views taken into consideration, and it is gratifying to see that a local councillor is undertaking a survey of concerns.

My understanding is that there is a proposal to build a community nursery which will place 50 vulnerable twoyear-olds and 160 three- and four-year-a old children.

The benefits of a nursery education are well known. Nursery promotes equality for children and teaches mutual respect regardless of financial background. It allows children to develop social and communication skills and learn about risk assessment.

Children learn physical and mental competance through play and prepare for the transition to school life.

Modern nurseries place a high priority on outdoor play in green spaces and councils are aware of this need.

In addition, nursery education for vulnerable children can provide respite from adverse childhood experiences. The roll out of extended nursery education leads to local jobs being created and gives parents an opportunity to pursue work outside the home. This proposal has so much to offer the community, not just in the short term, but a lasting transformation in young children’s lives.

The citizens who will prosper from the nursery site will be parents and grandparents from East Kilbride, but especially our children.

Jackie Harris, via email