Registration for Irvine’s delayed Marress House Early Years Centre has finally opened to parents as opening date is officially announced.

The centre will open on August 23 of this year with registration for the August intake available until Tuesday February 28.

Initially set to open in January 2023, the nursery’s launch was delayed in November due to construction issues.

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: “Our young children are entitled to the best possible start in life and that’s what our early years centres aim to provide.

“Transformation work on Marress House is continuing apace and we are already looking forward to welcoming children for the 2023 August term.

“If parents want to register their children for the new centre, we are asking them to apply as soon as possible.”

The £3.7million Marress House project will overhaul the former tax office into an early years centre, kitted out with a professional learning and collaboration space, concierge accommodation, and CCTV.

All children aged three and four and two-year-olds who meet criteria such as coming from a household who receives income support are eligible for 1140 hours of early years education per year.

To find the application form and for more info on eligibility visit the council’s website (www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/elc-enrolment) or email earlylearningchildcare@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Parents who are arranging a blended placement for their child should also complete the form.

For more information on what kinds of childcare are available, visit www.tinyurl.com/educationalservicesguide.