STAFF and children are settling into a new Irvine facility a month after it opened to users.
A former tax office, Marress House, has been transformed into an early years centre, located in the grounds of North Ayrshire Council's Cunninghame House headquarters.
The doors have been open for four weeks.
Head of centre Deborah Gott said: "All of the early years centres in North Ayrshire offer incredible environments and the staff in all communities strive for excellence.
"Everyone has settled in quickly.
"We have a wonderful group of children with amazing families, and our staff team has gone the extra mile to welcome everyone.
"It feels like we have been here forever.
"It doesn’t feel like it has only been a few weeks.
"Everybody is feeling really at home."
Vanessa Anderson, whose son Jack, three, is a pupil, said: "The space is just so welcoming, bright, and beautiful.
"Jack loves the sensory room, and I’m really excited to see how he thrives in such a nurturing and welcoming environment."
Eva Smith’s daughter Mila, three, is among the first intake of little ones.
Ms Smith said: "What has impressed me the most, so far, about Marress House is how welcoming everyone is and how easily my daughter has settled into the environment.
"She comes home talking about all the teachers and all her new friends.
"She loves every minute of being there and can’t wait to get back the next day!"
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education and young people, said: "My first impression is that Marress House is a fantastic learning facility, and it is really bright and colourful – with an amazing outdoor space.
"This building was quite derelict, and it is fantastic to see it being brought back to life.
"I wish Deborah, her team, and the children all the best for future years at the centre."
The centre, which opened on August 20, will also be home to the council's public CCTV and concierge service in a separate part of the building.
It also has a training suite, which will be used to enhance the skillset of the early years workforce across the authority.
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