A nursery accommodating up to 48 children could be created within the new Thistle Primary School in Dargavel.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board on Thursday 20th August 2026.
Council officers are carrying out a feasibility study into using part of the new school for early learning and childcare.
The facility could be registered for up to 48 children and would provide additional capacity for families living in Bishopton and Dargavel.
The proposal follows updated Scottish Government guidance expanding eligibility for funded early learning and childcare for two-year-olds.
Officers said the flexible design of Thistle Primary means the facility could be created without significantly altering the building.
The additional capacity would also provide greater flexibility at the existing Dargavel Early Learning and Childcare Centre, including space for eligible two-year-olds.
Gerard McLaughlin told the board: “There will be no impact externally or internally for the children and young people. Because we work in panels and because there is a flexibility of the resource as far as the staff are concerned, I do not expect there to be significant increases in costs because of the way in which numbers in early years go up and down.”
The final operating arrangement between the proposed nursery at Thistle Primary and Dargavel Early Learning and Childcare Centre has not yet been decided.
Officers will consider enrolment numbers, staffing and demand across the area before confirming how the services would operate.
Construction of Thistle Primary is continuing, with the building moving towards becoming fully wind and watertight.
The school remains on schedule for completion in summer 2027.
Photo: An external visualisation of the new Thistle Primary School in Dargavel
Image credit: JM Architects