Angus early learning centres on course to open next year

EDUCATION: Work progressing on new facilities for Forfar and Carnoustie

Multi-million-pound Angus early learning construction projects are back on track in Forfar and Carnoustie.

The new facilities on the site of the former Forfar Academy and at Pitskelly Park are being built to accommodate the near-doubling of early years provision from 600 to 1,140 hours.

The Scottish Government has delayed the implementation due to the coronavirus crisis but Angus Council chiefs say they are hopeful the purposebuilt centres will welcome their first arrivals early next year.

Carnoustie has a 205-child capacity and Forfar will have room for 155 youngsters.

A council spokesperson said: “Since the resumption of construction on both sites in June, progress has been positive and we are optimistic that the completion dates may be sooner than first anticipated.

“The contractor has maximised productivity while updating working practices to ensure physical distancing requirements on site.

“This has resulted in an accelerated programme, with the Forfar centre on track for completion in December and the Carnoustie centre on track for completion before the end of January.

“Children are already able to access the new service in Carnoustie through the use of temporary alternative accommodation.

“In Forfar, there is a range of private, voluntary and childminder providers working in partnership with the council to ensure that every applicant for funded ELC in the early months of session 2020/21 can be provided with a high-quality service.

“A decision will be made in the near future regarding the most appropriate time to open the Forfar centre for applications.”

Picture: Paul Reid. The Forfar building under construction.