Parents and carers of children aged under five years are being asked for their views on early learning and childcare provision in East Dunbartonshire as funded hours will be increasing for eligible children.
In 2020 legislation will come into effect in Scotland, increasing the entitlement of early learning and childcare provision from 600 funded hours to 1140 funded hours per year.
All children aged three and four will be eligible for these increased funded hours and some two year olds from households in receipt of certain benefits will also be eligible.
The Council is appealing to parents and carers to complete an online survey to assist them in shaping how these increased hours are delivered in East Dunbartonshire.
The consultation period will run from 14 August to 1 September 2017 and the short questionnaire can be completed online.
Convener of Education, Councillor Mohrag Fischer, said, “Previous early learning and childcare consultations have been met with a great response and the views gathered from parents have helped to shape the development of early learning and childcare in East Dunbartonshire.
“We understand that parents and carers need childcare that provides choice and flexibility and we will use the feedback to enhance the service we currently provide.”
Currently the Council offers the following provision:
All Council nurseries:
- Sessional/term time: Morning or afternoon sessions of three hours and ten minutes. Children can attend for up to five sessions per week during term time
Extended day centres:
- Full day/term time: 8am to 6pm with parents purchasing additional hours during term time. (Gartconner, Baljaffray, Milngavie and Meadowburn)
- Full day/full year: 8am to 6pm with parents purchasing additional hours 50 weeks of the year. (Lennoxtown, Hillhead, Clober, Castlehill, Auchinairn , Cleddens Early Learning and Childcare Centre)
The Council is also in partnership with twenty five voluntary and private providers who offer a variety of models of provision.
Councillor Fischer, continued, “It is really important that the increased provision of early learning and childcare in East Dunbartonshire meets the needs of local families.
“I would urge all parents and carers of children aged 0 to 5 years to complete the short questionnaire so that preparations for the introduction of the new legislation can get underway.”
The consultation paper is now available to complete online on the following page.
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