PARENTS say they are struggling to cope with reduced services at nurseries in the area.
Staffing issues have put added pressures on a number of educational facilities over the past few months
Workers have been left stretched, while parents and guardians have had to juggle working schedules to deal with reduced hours caused by the staffing issues.
Drongan, New Cumnock and Netherthird early childhood centres have all run reduced services at specific times.
This week, Auchinleck ECC is also running at a lower capacity of services, caused by apparent staffing issues.
A letter issued to parents and guardians relating to services beginning last week and running into this week said: "Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to return to full-service delivery, that we are required to operate a reduced service at Auchinleck Early Childhood Centre over the next two weeks.
"If you have no other means of sourcing childcare and your child requires to attend the full session for work reasons, please contact Lee McPhail, head teacher or Susan Strachan, depute manager as soon as possible who will try and accommodate childcare needs where possible if staffing levels permit."
Parents say that the temporary schedule has become a problem for some.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "This is a massive problem for parents like myself who work full time and don't have anybody else to look after our little one at times.
"Kids are entitled to certain hours, but they're being sent home because the nursery is too stretched.
"The staff working are doing the best they can, but they're being run to the end of their tether.
"It's unfair on staff, it's unfair on parents and it's unfair on the kids.
"Something needs to be done, because it seems to be an issue that a lot of nurseries in the area have been facing recently."
A council spokesperson said: "East Ayrshire Council can confirm that due to staff shortages the council has had to reduce some of our services.
"The council has endeavoured to accommodate childcare needs, where possible, in those same services for parents/carers who require it"
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