Early learning and childcare (ELC) is a crucial stage in children’s development, as their learning and experiences shape the person they are and grow into being. Clackmannanshire Council is committed to provide a high quality provision, to ensure all children have the opportunity to learn, play and flourish.
To ensure the delivery of a neutral approach all government funded ELC providers meet the national standards which are guided within the principles of the 1140 hours expansion: quality, flexibility, accessibility and affordability.
We aim to meet the needs of all children and families by providing a range of provisions throughout Clackmannanshire, and allocating places using a fair and equitable system.
All government funded ELC providers are inspected by the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland.
1140 hours of funded ELC is available to all 3-5 year olds and eligible 2 year olds.
1140 hours of ELC will be offered to all eligible children per annum. The ELC funding year runs from 1st August to 31st July.
Eligible children are entitled to a funded early learning and childcare place in line with the following dates:
Children who are eligible for a 2 year old funded place, must meet the following criteria:
Or
Or
Up to date information on qualifying benefits can be found at mygov.scot.
Please be aware once your child is offered a place, the ELC establishment will ask for proof of eligibility. This proof of eligibility may include a letter from Clackmannanshire Council informing you that you are eligible.
Eligible children are entitled to a funded early learning and childcare place in line with the following dates:
Clackmannanshire Council offer a wide range of provisions to ensure all eligible children are provided with their ELC funded hours. We offer provision within local authority ELC, private partnership providers and registered partnership childminders.
Parents/carers wishing to make an application for funded hours in a local authority establishment, partner ELC providers and partner childminders, should complete the online application form.
Applications will be available each year between 15 January and the end of February.
Clackmannanshire Council will meet with each establishment to discuss applications and allocations to ensure we best meet the needs of each individual child and families. Written confirmation will be sent once admission has been decided to offer the funded place.
Applications will reopen each year 22 April - 10 May.
If you require support to fill in an application form, please ask at any funded establishment where they will be happy to assist.
Parents/carers will be asked to indicate on the application form their first, second and third choice of placement. When applying for a place parents/carers should include information regarding any issues which may affect their child at nursery, for example medical issue or special dietary requirements.
If a partner provider ELC or childminder is your 1st choice please contact the establishment before filling in an online application form.
All applications should be submitted between 15 January and the end of February.
Applications will then reopen 22 April - 10 May which will be considered as a late application. Late applications are accepted when submitted, however places will be allocated after those received on time.
When applications are submitted late please be aware that this can restrict the availability of spaces and choice of establishment.
Deferred entry to school means that children start primary school one year later than the typical start date.
All parents/carers have the legal right to defer their child’s entry to primary school if they are not yet 5 years old at the beginning of the school year in August.
From August 2023, a change in the legislation means that all children who are eligible to defer will automatically be able to access an additional year of funded ELC.
The blended care option is for applicants to access their funding with more than one provider.
Following the ‘funding follows the child approach’ this enables parents and carers to access their child’s funding from any establishment who meets the national standards from any authority – public, private or third sector including partnership childminders.
When allocating places, Clackmannanshire Council have to ensure all eligible children are prioritised and every effort will be made to allocate families first choice. However, in the circumstance of particular providers exceeding supply there has to be a fair and equitable system when allocating places.
The following priorities will be applied when allocating places.
If you think your child has been given the wrong criteria level or not satisfied with a decision made around your child’s ELC placement then an appeal can be submitted.
The appeals process will assess whether the procedures have been followed correctly in allocating places based on the information from the application form.
All appeals must be submitted within 28 days of the parent being notified of the outcome of their application. Additional information may be required to support an appeal. The outcome to any appeal will be final.
If the appeal is successful, then the child will be moved to the top of the waiting list for a place at that establishment and will be offered the first available space.
When there are a number of successful appeals for the same establishment, then a ballot will be held to establish the order of entry.
For further information on submitting an appeal please contact ELCadmissions@clacks.gov.uk.
From August 2024, the hourly rate for unfunded hours in Clackmannanshire Council ELC settings will be £5.90 for children aged 3-5.
Please note, charges increase annually in April in line with inflation.
Charges apply to additional early learning and childcare provision over and above the funded entitlement.
All parents/carers will be asked to sign a contract agreeing to session times and any additional charges (as applicable).
Purchase of additional hours on a temporary basis
Extended hours in local authority ELC settings may be offered for a time limited period (if available) to assist in difficult or emergency situations, for example, illness, seasonal work, change of shift pattern or jury duty.
The additional hours will be reviewed or withdrawn at the end of the specified period. Temporary allocations of extended hours will be confirmed to parents/carers in writing.
ELC fees should be paid on time and when due. Unpaid fees are managed though the Council arrears process. If an account remains in arrears, this will result in the removal of unfunded sessions and early learning and childcare provision will be reduced to funded sessions only.
If for any reason there is a need to change establishment, parent/carers should speak to head of establishment.
Enquires can also be made to ELCadmissions@clacks.gov.uk.
We ask for a minimum of 4 weeks notice in order to process the change of establishment request.
Education
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: education@clacks.gov.uk