Early Learning and Childcare in a Nutshell
This NPFS Nutshell on Early Learning and Childcare gives an overview of the options available to parents and information about funding.
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Early Learning and Childcare in a Nutshell
You’ll also get the chance to take part in activities, and to tell staff about your child such as their likes/ dislikes/routines. What and why
ELC includes nurseries, playgroups and childminders and so on: the places children go to before they start school.
Because ELC makes a big difference to children and really boosts what they learn at home, all children in their early years are being given the same chance to meet other children, make friends, play and learn. ELC can give you opportunities too: you can use the 1140 hours to work, train, study or just have a bit more time. About funded Early Learning and Childcare
From August 2020, all 3- and 4-year olds, can have up to 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC for short) a year. You don’t have to pay for it. 1140 hours is roughly the same amount of time as primary school hours. 1
Some 2-year olds can have ELC too. 2
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Quality ELC The National Standard has ten conditions which ELC providers must meet including: • Giving children the chance to play outside every day • Encouraging children to learn and develop through play and linking this into what comes next (primary school) • Providing healthy meals and snacks and making sure that these meet each child’s needs (to fit with their culture/diet) • Making reasonable adjustments for children who need extra support, for example because of disability • Making sure that parents are involved and in touch with staff so that children get the most out of ELC • Good or better Care Inspectorate standards How ELC is paid for • You don’t pay for these 1140 hours of ELC • The Scottish Government pays the money direct to councils. Councils meet the costs of their own school nurseries or pay other providers direct • Children attending this ELC are entitled to milk and a healthy snack, and a healthy meal every day What parents pay for • You may have the option of paying for extra outings, activities or snacks during the 1140 hours. Please speak to your setting or parent council if you find these costs hard to meet as there may be funding to help • If you need more than 1140 hours of ELC for your child, you pay for these extra hours as agreed with the provider. This could include wraparound care • If your child is not eligible for ELC (for example, because they are under 2) you pay for childcare as agreed with your provider • You may be able to get a cash payment of £250 for each child (Best Start Early Learning and Childcare grant) to help with starting ELC and/ or moving from ELC to Primary 1. You can find out more at: mygov.scot/ best-start-grant
ELC is the first step on your child’s learning journey. To find out what comes next see NPFS Nutshells: Curriculum for Excellence in a Nutshell npfs.org.uk/2019/06/cfe-in-a-nutshell-2 Senior phase in a Nutshell npfs.org.uk/2019/06/senior-phase-in-a-nutshell Wider achievement in a Nutshell npfs.org.uk/2019/06/wider-achievement-in-a-nutshell parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org
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parentforumscot OCT 2019 More about ELC
There’s more information about ELC at the Scottish Government’s Parent Club: parentclub.scot/elc For information in your local area, contact your local council direct. 1 At the time of writing, different councils have different arrangements as they phase this ELC in. Speak to your council about how ELC works in your area. 2 A 2-year old is eligible for this ELC from the start of the first term after their second birthday, if they are looked after, if their parent/carer receives certain benefits, or is a kinship carer or parent-appointed guardian.