Bosses at Heads of Ayr Nursery have announced a big expansion plan.
The nursery, which only opened in April 2021, needs more space to accommodate the rollout of expanded child care.
And ambitious plans are in place to build an extension onto the existing building.
Ayrshire Live can exclusively reveal that the nursery is currently operating at 88 per cent capacity.
Now bosses have proposed to build a new extension so that they can offer even more childcare to youngsters in their pre-school years.
Recently, the nursery forged a new partnership with South Ayrshire Council to offer more funded childcare to local youngsters.
The partnership should also enable the local authority to fulfil its obligations to the Scottish Government’s plans to expand pre-school childcare across the country.
Ayr firm Casa Architects are involved in the proposals.
The plans involve alterations and an extension to the existing nursery school- and the formation of additional parking spaces.
In their design statement the firm said they want to create a “simple, high-quality building of rural scale” to “complement” the existing nursery and surrounding farm buildings which will “sit comfortably" within the landscape.
Plans also propose an enclosed rear play area, breakout space, toddler's room and baby room.
The plans have been submitted to South Ayrshire Council for consideration.
The statement goes on: “Heads of Ayr Farm Park opened on May 24 1993. Since that date the owners have significantly- and successfully- diversified the business, one of the most recent examples being the granting of approval for the nursery.
“This opened in April 2021. Matters, have, however, moved on and the nursery has recently entered into a partnership with South Ayrshire Council and are now able to offer funded places for children aged 3- 5 in their pre-school years.
“The nursery is at 88 per cent capacity with clear indications of an increase underpinning the requirement for expansion.”
The report goes on: “Heads of Ayr Nursery provides a locally unique, partly outdoor learning experience where children can relate to nature and experience invaluable learning opportunities when they can interact with animals in an organic setting.
“Heads of Ayr Farm Nursery is an integral part of Heads of Ayr Farm Park and employs 19 people.
“The development of the Farm Park as a whole is one of the most successful examples of a locally-owned business in South Ayrshire.
“The proposals to expand the nursery will further consolidate the business as a whole.”
Back in August 2022, Ayrshire Live told how the nursery breezed through its first-ever inspection from a care watchdog.
The nursery at Laigh Kyleston Farm, Dunure, was rated as ‘good’ across four quality indicators.
The findings came from the Care Inspectorate, who made an unannounced visit to the nursery to see the operation in action.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
