PLANS to create a new Early Years Class within Pennyburn Primary have moved a step closer.

At a meeting of North Ayrshire Council's cabinet on Tuesday, councillors approved plans for a consultation on the initial proposal which would see Kilwinning Early Years close and be incorporated as an early years class at Pennyburn Primary.

There will be no change to the model of provision or to the delivery of Early Years for children and families.

Kilwinning Early Years is the smallest of just six standalone facilities of this type across North Ayrshire.

The integration of early years into Pennyburn Primary School under the direction of the head teacher will provide further opportunities to evaluate and improve approaches to learning, teaching and wellbeing across the stages.

A council report goes on to explain how parents/carers and young people will be supported during the transition.

The statutory consultation will begin on October 24. The findings from the consultation will then form an update that will go before cabinet in early 2023.

Cllr Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education, said: “We are still at the very early stages of our plans for early years provision in the Kilwinning area.

“We look forward to hearing the views of local people to help inform us as we move forward.

"Details of the statutory consultation will be made available nearer the time.”