Increased pre-school childcare provision provides flexibility Families in Argyll and Bute will benefit from an increase in the number of hours of pre-school provision provided by the council, which from August will go up from 475 hours to 600 hours a year. This increase will be for three and four-year-old children as well as being extended to include eligible two-year-olds who are, or have been, looked after by the council, and for households where no-one is working. The new arrangements will come into effect at the start of the new school term and mean increased flexibility and choice for parents. The new hours have been introduced following extensive consultation with families, care providers and council staff who provide the service. For information, and to find out if your child is eligible contact the council’s Early Years service at [email protected] or call 01369 708503 Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Children and Families, Councillor Mary Jean Devon, said, “The benefits of this increased provision for busy parents are obvious. Simply put, during term time, free childcare and pre-school provision will increase from twelve and a half hours to over fifteen hours a week – that means each session will be increased by forty minutes. “We asked parents what they want, and consulted, too, with the views of child care providers. Everyone’s aim is to give every child in Argyll and Bute the very best possible start in life and at the same time provide the flexibility to allow their parents and families to make the most of child care opportunities. “There are benefits in terms of supporting and boosting our economy, too, in that increased provision may lead to increased employment opportunities both within the private sector and the council in order to cover the flexibility.” From August 2015, free pre-school provision will be further extended to include two-year-old children who are eligible to receive free school meals. Argyll and Bute Council is investing £1.345m during 2014/15 to provide this increased service. The council is making these changes in line with the Children and Young People Act which was published in April 2014, and which seeks to improve the way services work to support children, young people and families. In January 2014 the Scottish Government announced that provision for two year olds should also increase to those two year old children in workless households, with further provision for two year old children from families who are eligible for free school meals in August 2015. For more information go to : scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/legislation
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 05:37:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015