On 27 September 2022, North Ayrshire Council agreed to the commencement of a Statutory Public Consultation under the Schools (Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010.

The proposal is to incorporate Kilwinning Early Years Centre  (KEYC), a standalone  early years centre,  into Pennyburn Primary School as its Early Years’ Class. This proposal requires the formal closure of KEYC, a ‘school’ in terms of the legislation.

A report outlining the benefits of this proposal can be viewed at the link below:

Kilwinning ELC Proposal Document and Appendices

North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet met on 21 March 2023 to consider the consultation report and made a decision to accept the proposals. The outcome of the Cabinet decision was notified to Scottish Ministers on 28 March 2023.

On 11 May 2023, the Scottish Government confirmed that North Ayrshire Council has fulfilled its obligations under the 2010 Act and that there will be no call-in notice for this proposal.

North Ayrshire Council may now implement its decision to close Kilwinning Early Years Centre in line with the timescales set out in its proposal paper.