Members updated on the ongoing delivery of 1140 hours of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in Highland

At today’s meeting (18 November) of the Council’s Education Committee, Members were provided an update on the ongoing rollout of 1140 hours of funded ELC provision in settings across Highland.

A report to the Committee outlined that of the 241 settings across the region, 202 Highland settings will be delivering 1140 hours by spring 2021. Currently, there are 136 settings delivering 1140 hours with an additional 23 settings moving to 1140 hours later this year.  

Chair of the Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “I am pleased that work continues to advance in the delivery of 1140 hours of early learning and childcare in Highland settings despite challenges to provision brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This service provides essential support to Highland families; therefore, it is essential that the rollout continues to progress. It is also great to note in the report today that there will be a further 23 settings delivering the service before the end of the year. I look forward to seeing more settings move to 1140 hours in 2021."

There remain a small number of settings where the limitations of existing accommodation, and dependency on the completion of capital works, creates more significant challenges in identifying suitable interim or contingency arrangements. This work continues, and the intent is for an update and finalised position to be presented at the next Education Committee.

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