Published on:
19
September 2013
The views of all parents and carers of children under five in Clackmannanshire will be sought about how proposed increases in pre-school education should be introduced, a report to the Education, Sport and Leisure Committee today (19 September) has heard.
The Scottish Government intends to increase the funded annual provision of pre-school education to 600 hours from the current 475 hours, as part of the Children and Young People's Bill. Under the proposals, the provision for looked after children and those subject to kinship care orders aged two years will also be increased. These changes are expected to come into effect in August 2014.
Local education authorities will now be required to consult locally on the needs of parents and demand for childcare places at least every two years. The Council is developing a survey for parents and carers of children aged under five years to be completed between October and November this year.
Families will be asked for their preferred options for accessing the increased hours, including nursery class and partner service provision. Additional information about parents' work and study and important factors when choosing early learning and childcare will also be covered.
Education Convenor Ellen Forson said: "It is important that we find out the views of families and carers as these are central to our future planning to deliver the proposed increase in the funded provision of pre-school education in Clackmannanshire. I look forward to hearing about the results of this work at a future committee meeting."