The event was held for nursery children who are leaving this term and itwas also a chance for children from all three of the group's campusnurseries in Glasgow to get together.
Childcare Scotland now manages workplace nurseries for staff andstudents at Glasgow University, Strathclyde University and CaledonianUniversity.
It is the first time that all three nurseries have been managed by thesame provider. The group also runs provision in Glasgow city centre,Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Irvine, Kilmarnock and Largs in Ayrshire,with a total of 853 places.
The group acquired the management of the nurseries at Strathclyde andGlasgow Universities last December and has managed CaledonianUniversity's since 1998.
Director Meg McLeod said, 'It was quite a challenge taking on two newnurseries at the same time. There might be more joint working betweenthe nurseries. The children already make trips between them in theminibus.'
She added, 'University nurseries are quite seasonal. There are peaks andtroughs to suit the semesters.' But the nurseries are open for 52 weeksa year and the group also has some peripatetic staff for dance, Frenchand drama teaching.
Lisa Hood, manager of the Caledonian nursery, said, 'You get to see lotsof different people and staff can use the university facilities, likethe canteen and the refectory.'
The group's other nurseries are open for longer hours, some from 6.30amto 10pm to suit the needs of local parents who work shifts and weekends,such as in the health service and police.
Ms McLeod said Childcare Scotland is in the process of applying for twonew purpose-built nurseries, where new housing developments are beingbuilt alongside facilities including a doctor's surgery and a chemist.
