EDUCATION chiefs say they are ready to meet the demands of hugely-increased child care hours in Inverclyde later this year.

Audit Scotland has warned that thousands of staff still need to be recruited across the country as the number of free hours that three to five year olds are entitled to doubles in August this year.

Local bosses are anticipating they will have the workforce they need in place.

But they have had to put contingency plans in place because of delays with the Rainbow Family Centre extension and Larkfield Children's Centre new-build.

Director Ruth Binks said: "The workforce plan continues to be implemented and reviewed.

"Successful recruitment of staff for early phase projects was undertaken over summer 2019."

A further recruitment campaign followed to fill the posts necessary to cope with the implementation of the Scottish Government policy.

Director Ms Binks added: "It is anticipated that all posts will be recruited from this process."

However the report confirms the Port project at Rainbow is behind schedule - with the Park Farm building which will make way for a second hub still to be demolished.

Additional places will be provided until it is ready through additional outdoor learning spaces and increasing shared areas.

The Larkfield Children's Centre new build has been held up as a knock-on effect of the delay with the revamp of St Mary's Primary School and an ongoing land transfer process.

It's estimated that the building will not be ready until next year, with places to be provided in temporary accommodation on site until then.

Meanwhile there will also be a change to the nursery admissions policy, with Inverclyde falling into line with other local authorities and offering places to children immediately after their third birthday.

Previously local youngsters would have to wait until the start of the new term to begin nursery.