Published on:
24
May 2017
A new free childcare option will be available to parents later this year.
In order to provide parents with high quality childcare the Council has been exploring different options, including the expansion of partnership working with childminders.
From August 2017 a pilot involving two childminders in Menstrie and two childminders in Tullibody will be trialled. These childminders will provide care to two year olds who are eligible for free childcare.
The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 introduced new early learning and childcare entitlements during term time for 3 and 4 year olds to 15 hours 50 minutes per week .This has now been extended to free provision for certain 2 year olds where the eligibility criteria is met.
Two year old provision is currently available in 9 of our 14 nurseries. This trial will extend that provision to childminders.
Head of Education Anne Pearson said: "We have been liaising with the Scottish Childminding Association and local childminders to trial this method from August 2017. Families will have the option to have their free entitlement with a childminder where there is availability. This method of childcare can provide families with an option of using their entitlement in a smaller early learning and childcare environment."
When the child turns three he or she can remain with the childminder until the point of their entitled term beginning.
For further information, or to apply for a place please visit ClacksWeb or contact the Early Years Team on 01259 450000 or email education@clacks.gov.uk.