EVERY child put forward for a state-funded nursery place in North Ayrshire successfully secured one.

That’s according to North Ayrshire Council’s administration who say they are meeting their target on early learning and childcare for three and four-year-olds.

Under Scottish Government legislation, families are entitled and eligible for 600 hours of early learning and childcare.

At the most recent full North Ayrshire Council meeting last week, Councillor Tom Marshall questioned the SNP administration about nurseries in North Ayrshire.

Specifically, the Tory councillor for Largs wanted to know the total number of nurseries, the total capacity along with the number of children that have and have not secured state-funded nursery places.

It was revealed by cabinet member for education, attainment and achievement John Bruce that there are 44 local authority nurseries including five Early Years Centres and 39 early years classes within primary schools.

They have capacity to provide 2,426 part-time places for children aged 3-5.

Councillor Bruce added that the total learning and childcare places within North Ayrshire is 3,728.

In total, 3,399 children in North Ayrshire are accessing early learning and childcare through the local authority or private providers.

Councillor Bruce assured Councillor Marshall that all of those children who applied for a state-funded nursery place currently has one.