Pupils celebrate transfer of Reay Early Learning and Childcare Centre to CALA

Reay Early Learning and Childcare Centre hit a milestone last week when ownership of the setting was transferred to the Care and Learning Alliance.

Children, parents and carers, staff and local Highland councillor Matthew Reiss attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.

For more than 24 years, CALA has worked in partnership with the Reay Under 5s Parent Committee, which had owned and run the service since 1998.

A change in funding from Highland Council due to the extension of funded hours to 1140 hours a year meant that the model which has existed for many years needed to change. After discussion and consultation, it was agreed that CALA would take on full ownership and management of the service while continuing to work closely in partnership with the parents and the school team.

The service also moved into a new purpose-built centre close to the primary school late last year.

Jaci Douglas, chief executive of CALA, said: "Although CALA have been working in close partnership with the parent committee of Reay Under 5s since 1998, providing staffing, management and support, it has been the volunteer parent committee that have been the owners of the service and we just wanted to recognise the incredible dedication and support parents have given over many years to ensure Reay has a thriving and high-quality early years setting.

"Huge thanks also go to our dedicated staff, one of whom has been with us since the beginning over 20 years ago. The close working with the Highland Council team, especially over the recent move to the new building on the school site, is to be very welcomed as is the shared approach to provide a sustainable and high-quality provision for the children."

She added: "Particular recognition and thanks also go to the incredible work of Aime Hackney, chair of the Reay Under 5s committee, who had overseen the move from the old location of the group at Reay hall into the new building on the school grounds, as well as her tremendous fundraising efforts for new outdoor equipment including an impressive new play tower."

Donna Sinclair, CALA's manager of the setting, said: "Staff are delighted to have moved into the new purpose-built ELC with large outdoor area, constructed by GMR Henderson. Our location behind the primary school is ideal for parents, supports children's transitions and creates increased opportunities for links with the school."

Cllr Reiss (Thurso and Northwest Caithness) said: "Attending the opening ceremony was a great experience, hearing the sounds of happy and excited children, the sun shining and seeing how pleased parents and staff were all combined into a feeling of optimism for Reay's future.

"The children are in a stunning setting and safe hands and I came away feeling genuinely uplifted. Well done CALA, the staff and parents, not forgetting the children too!"

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