Expansion of Early Years Provision to be Phased In
Inverclyde Council is to begin the phased introduction of full time early learning and childcare.
From October all children at Blairmore Nursery School in the East End of Greenock will attend from 9am to 3pm every day.
The Scottish Government has announced its commitment to increase entitlement to early learning and childcare from 600 hours a year to 1140 hours for all three and four year olds and some two year olds by 2020.
Education & Communities Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “The expansion will require substantial levels of investment both in terms of staff and buildings. That is why it is so important to take a phased approach, learn what is required to provide the high quality of education and childcare that is expected and identify any areas that need to be worked on.
“Given that all children will also be entitled to a free school meal the pilot will allow us to look at the processes that we need to put in place to give children the opportunity to have an enjoyable experience at lunchtime with their friends.”
Six additional fulltime and three part-time posts have been created at Blairmore where 56 children will be eligible for fulltime placements.
In considering phasing councils have been asked to ensure that families and communities who stand to benefit most from the expansion – such as areas of higher deprivation – should benefit first.
Head Teacher Marie Crawford said: “Staff are excited to be part of this phasing programme and the response from parents has been very positive. Many parents are working and these new hours will reduce or eliminate the cost of childcare. Others are delighted that they will now be able to seek part-time employment.
“The pilot will also allow us to look at how we deliver the curriculum over an extended time by closely monitoring how the children cope with a full day placement and the pace of learning in daily activities. We hope that this extra time each day will allow children to experience more depth in their learning.”
Jade Lynch from Greenock’s 4 year old son T-Jay will be attending fulltime in October. She said: “I have got myself a job out of this. This allows me to work fulltime knowing that T-Jay is safe, having fun with his friends and learning.”
Allison Borland from Greenock has a 4 year old son Ross at the nursery. She said: “I had to cut my hours by half when I had Ross but this gives me the potential to go back fulltime. Ross is excited to be spending more time with his friends.”
Councillor Clocherty added: “The Scottish Government has stated that the expansion will be fully funded. There are many challenges ahead but clearly there is the potential to give all of Inverclyde’s children the best start in life and to address gaps in attainment and inequality.
“It is vital that the programme is carefully planned and implemented to ensure high quality, flexible and accessible early learning and childcare is available across Inverclyde.”
It is estimated more than 110 Early Years officers along with associated managers and support staff will be required to fully implement the 1140 hours provision by 2020.
Photograph: Councillor Clocherty with Marie Crawford and children at Blairmore Nursery.