EARLY childhood centres in East Ayrshire will be open as normal during the strike action which is set to close the area's schools this week.

East Ayrshire Council announced last week that all schools will be closed on Thursday, November 24 due to strike action.

All schools within East Ayrshire will be affected, but the local authority has announced that early childhood centres will operate as normal.

A letter has been issued to parents and carers by Linda McAulay-Griffiths, chief education officer and head of education, giving more details of the planned walkout.

READ MORE: Dates confirmed for more teacher strike action in Ayrshire's schools

Now a council spokesperson has confirmed that school meals will be available for pick-up from their nearest school office.

They said: "East Ayrshire Council can confirm that all schools will be closed to pupils on Thursday 24 November due to industrial action.

"Children and young people that require a free school meal on Thursday can collect a packed lunch from their nearest school office between 11am and 1pm.

"The council can confirm that all early childhood centres will operate as normal."