SEVEN Inverclyde ladies went back to school to pick up new childcare qualifications which could set them on the path to new careers.

The ladies, who all attend at the King’s Oak Primary School and Nursery Hub, were informed about the opportunity by organisers who set up a link with West College Scotland.

Six parents - Jackie Thomson, Gemma Collins, Kirsty Geary, Kimberley Mitchell, Uzma Arif and Jan McLellan - completed the 20-hour course and four of them have now applied to college for childcare courses.

Jan completed the course alongside her daughter Jade a former pupil of King’s Oak and Inverclyde Academy.

Dehra Macdonald, senior family learning support worker, said: “The mums have been coming into the family hub and shown an interest around child development so I put the idea forward and they all took it up.

“Mums are experts in childcare so they already had the practice, they all did it together and we are delighted for them.

“The message they are giving their children is great, that you can go to college at any time, it doesn’t need to be straight from school, college is for people at every stage of life.”

Many of the parents hadn’t considered ever getting back into further education but said the course - being held in the family hub over a short period with creche facilities - was perfect.

Gemma said: “Having the course at the family hub really helped us to focus and the children were able to play next door at the creche.

“Both us and the children knew the building which helped and it was nearer to home, we are really proud to all have completed the course.”

Jackie added: “It really helped doing it with the other mums, we all supported each other.

“All our children were so chuffed for us when we completed it and passed.”

Fiona McKenzie, head of learning communities at West College Scotland says the new link with King's Oak is in its first year and making a big impact.

She told the Tele: “Childcare courses are such a good opportunity, especially with more jobs in the sector set to become available.

“This is just the start of a partnership we hope can grow.

“Lecturer Shona Bennett gave up her time to run the course ad we thank her for her hard work and congratulate the ladies on their achievements.

“We realise that attending college full time isn’t always easy and we were happy to make it more accessible to people."