Nurseries gear up for extended hours
Published on:
15
July 2014
Nurseries across Clackmannanshire are preparing for the extension of free nursery care for three and four year olds to 600 hours from next term.
This is a significant increase on the 475 currently offered over the 38 week school term.
Menstrie nursery has been working to the new arrangements since April.
"Menstrie has been a path finder nursery to see how the new arrangements would work in practice as clearly there will be an impact on parents, staff and children. I'm pleased to see that bar a few teething problems the increase in hours has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for parents and children," said Early Learning and Childcare service manager, Lisa McCabe.
Clackmannanshire Council has 14 nurseries; two standalone nurseries and 12 nursery classes within primary schools. The Council also works in partnership with a playgroup and three private nurseries.
Nine new early learning and childcare workers have been recruited to deliver the extra hours.
The increase in hours is part of the government's refocus away from traditional delivery of 'preschool education' towards a more child and family centred early learning and childcare approach. This combines care and education in a way designed to suit each individual child delivered in a caring and nurturing setting.
"We want to make childcare more affordable, giving families the flexibility to get back into the workforce if they choose, while delivering the very best start for their children," said convenor of the Council's Education, Sport and Leisure Committee, Councillor Ellen Forson.
"Research shows that investment in the early years of a child's life can bring huge rewards in later life, both for the individual and for society as a whole. High-quality, funded early learning and childcare gives children the best start in life and increases their chances of success as they grow and that is what we are committed to delivering."
There will also be an extension of the free hours available to certain two year olds.
