AS we reach the middle of October, the thoughts of parents across Ayrshire will be turning towards the next school holidays. 

The next set of holidays are just around the corner, so it's time to get the childcare sorted and create a big list of things to do to keep the wee ones occupied.

In East Ayrshire, the holidays kick off on Monday, October 14, and for the full week until Friday, October 18.

There is also an extra in-service day for staff with pupils also off on Monday, October 21, and youngsters will return the following day on Tuesday, October 22.

It is the same situation for school pupils in South Ayrshire, who are off from Monday, October 14 and return to the classroom on Tuesday, October 22.

In North Ayrshire, pupils are off from Monday, October 14, but return to school one day earlier on Monday, October 21 with no in-service day.

Arran schools have been off since October 7, and pupils on the island will also return on Monday, October 21.