Ayrshire Childcare and Recreation Information Service

What type of childcare do you need?
The Ayrshire Childcare Information Service is a source of information on registered childcare provision in Ayrshire including childminders, nurseries, playgroups, creches and out of school care.

Information is available on non-registered provision such as parent and toddlers groups, children's events and homework clubs.

What area do you need childcare for?
For further information please contact the CARIS on the local rate helpline: 0845 351 3000 or email at caris@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Monday - Thursday: 9.00am - 4.45pm
Friday: 9.00am - 4.30pm

There is an answering machine in operation for out of office hours and the CARIS website can be accessed on www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk

Surestart South Ayrshire

SureStart aims to bring together service providers across various agencies to expand and develop services for vulnerable families with very young children aged 0-3 years.

The SureStart initiative, (previously known as the “Expansion of Support to Families with Very Young Children”), was launched by the Scottish Executive in December 1999. Revised Guidance issued in June 2000 established these additional objectives: -

• to improve children’s social and emotional development
• to improve children’s ability to learn
• to improve children’s health
• to strengthen families and communities

Fit Ayrshire Babies (FAB)
A joint venture by North, South and East Ayrshire funded through the Health Improvement Fund.

FAB is an innovative three year project with aims to promote the benefits of exercise through physical play and other means to very young children and their carers.