Published on:
20
September 2021
A newly extended and refurbished Early Learning and Childcare provision has opened at Park Primary School. The new Park ELC is the latest development in Clackmannanshire’s investment to provide families with 1140 hours per year of high quality, flexible funded early learning and childcare.
August 2021 marks the official date from which all children in Scotland can receive 1140 hours of childcare. This follows a commitment by the Scottish Government to the near doubling of the previous child care entitlement. Clackmannanshire met the provision of 1140 hrs milestone in August 2020, 12 months ahead of the official deadline, and as a result have been providing local families with choice about when and where they can use these hours of high quality, flexible early learning and childcare.
Clackmannanshire Council has completed an ambitious, high quality expansion programme including the development and refurbishment of existing Council ELC settings, the creation of brand new facilities at Tulach ELC within Tullibody South Campus, Menstrie ELC and Craigbank ELC, and has increased the number of partnerships with childminders and private nurseries in order to provide the offer of increased provision.
As a result, eligible two year olds and three to five year olds in Clackmannanshire can access childcare 30 hours per week during school term time or around 22 hours per week across a full year. The extension of childcare to 1140 hours not only benefits our youngest learners in Clackmannanshire, it also supports their parents and carers to access or return to employment, training or further education.
The most recent work in Clackmannanshire to deliver expanded childcare includes the opening of an extension to Park ELC this month, built in the grounds of Park Nursery Class. Park ELC is open all year round and offers families flexible Early Learning and Childcare from 8.00am until 5.40pm. Families will be able to choose to use their funding during term time only or spread throughout the full year.
Park ELC can provide Early Learning and Childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years, and has capacity for 140 children. A new Head of Establishment has also recently been appointed. The extensive outdoor area at Park ELC offers the opportunity for high quality outdoor learning, and children will be provided with jackets and wellies ensuring that the outdoor space can be accessed regardless of the weather.
Cllr Graham Lindsay, Spokesperson for Education, said: “I am delighted that the excellent learning environment that has been created for our youngest children at Park ELC is open.
“This is the latest high quality project the Council has completed in Clackmannanshire to provide extended ELC provision, with significant investments made to deliver new and improved provision.
“We are determined to improve outcomes for families in Clackmannanshire, and the provision of quality and flexible early learning and childcare is a key component in that continuing journey.”
The expanded 1140 hours is available to all three and four years, as well as eligible two year olds. This is available in:
Any provider who meets the new National Standard, has a space available and is happy to enter into a contract with the Council can offer your child a funded place. Each setting will be different and it is best to ask what they offer.