Early Learning and Childcare priorities agreed at Cabinet
At the recent meeting of Cabinet an extensive report on the Council’s early learning and childcare provision was heard. The report included details of the successful roll out of 1140 hours, the findings of the 2022 statutory consultation and the priorities for the Early Learning and Childcare Plan 2022-24. It was also agreed that the hourly rate for community childminders would be increased to £5 per hour.
Early learning and childcare (ELC) is a cornerstone for closing the poverty related attainment gap between our most and least advantaged children. It is therefore a priority for the Council to ensure that our youngest learners have access to high quality and flexible educational opportunities.
Within East Ayrshire, there are 36 local authority ELC settings, seven private and voluntary sector nurseries and 42 childminders, all providing a mix of provision and choice for parents and carers, which can assist with returning to work or attending further education.
The Council’s capital investment programme along with the capital funding for ELC expansion has ensured that 1140 hours can be delivered in East Ayrshire by increasing capacity for funded ELC places for 3 and 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds. New build facilities include Kilmaurs, Netherthird and Nether Robertland Early Childhood Centres (ECC), a new registered ECC was built at Loanhead Primary, extensions have been completed at Cairns and Onthank ECC and building work is underway at the newest ECC development within Dunlop.
15 ECCs now deliver 1140 hours across 48 weeks between 8am and 6pm, which maximises the number of places available across the day, while other ECCs offer 1140 hours across 38 weeks between 9am and 3pm.
The Council carried out its third statutory consultation on ELC provision with parents and carers in May and June 2022. The consultation, which was informed by previous consultations, sought views on the use of funded ELC, flexibility of funded ELC and the additional year of funded ELC for parents and carers who wish to defer the start of P1. The responses were overwhelmingly positive with 90.2% of parents and carers being satisfied with the types of funded ELC providers available and many provided very positive comments about the quality of care, support and learning experiences for their children and the dedication of ELC staff.
The children were also asked their view and their responses included ‘Nursery makes me happy’ and ‘I get sad at home time’, however feedback also included ‘I miss my mummy’ and ‘I get tired sometimes and that makes me sad’, which is very relatable.
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, Education and Skills and Culture said: “Our Council recognises the importance of Early Learning and Childcare for our children and their parents and carers and has prioritised the roll out of 1140 hours across East Ayrshire. The ELC expansion programme has been extensive and has led to significant building, expansion and improvement works throughout the area.
“Future priorities include expanding the offer of funded ELC to one and two year olds, which is at an early stage of development. We are committed to working with the Scottish Government over the next four years to build capacity that will meet the needs of children and their families. The School Age Childcare Delivery Framework is also expected to be published by the end of 2023 and this will set out the approach and principles that will help design a new system of school age childcare over the next four years targeting families at the greatest risk of poverty.
“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that our youngest learners have the best possible start to their education journey. Evidence shows that attending Early Learning and Childcare improves children’s outcomes and helps close the poverty-related attainment gap; it increases family resilience through improved health and wellbeing of children and parents and carers and importantly, supports parents and carers into work, study or training.”