​​​​​​​Highland Early Learning and Childcare Provision 2018/19

The Scottish Government is committed to the near doubling of entitlement to funded early learning and childcare to 1140 hours a year by 2020 for all three and four-year olds and eligible two-year olds. The aim is to provide high quality, flexible early learning and childcare that is accessible and affordable for families

Highland Council, as part of the phased expansion of early learning and childcare provision, is trialling 1140 hours from August 2018 in six locations.

These six settings were selected on the basis of the funding that is available in 2018/19, and local criteria agreed with Highland Council Members.  They are:

  • Merkinch Primary School Nursery
  • Merkinch Family Centre
  • Fliperz Day Care Centre
  • Obsdale Primary School Nursery
  • Kyle Primary School Nursery
  • Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Loch Abar

As part of this phased expansion, children enrolled at the above locations will be offered up to 1140 hours, for the year starting in August 2018.

This might involve 30 hours per week over 38 weeks (school term) or 23 hours per week over 50 weeks of the year, or somewhere in between, to a maximum of 1140 hours in the year. Availability of hours and weeks may vary from service to service.

All children who enrolled at the identified settings in February 2018, will be offered these additional hours.

While 1140 hours will be available to all eligible children from 2020, those children who live in the catchment area of the identified locations will have this early opportunity to benefit from this initiative.

If there are any additional available places, children from outwith the catchment area may be accepted, but this must be agreed by the Area Care and Learning Manager, and priority will be given to children who have identified needs who would benefit from an extension to their hours of early learning and childcare.                                                                                                                     

Children on split placements will be entitled to a maximum of 1140 hours across the 2 settings if the locations are included (e.g. Merkinch Primary and Fliperz) and if there is capacity.

Parents and carers requiring further information should contact: childcare.support@highland.gov.uk

15 May 2018