CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has encouraged parents and carers from East Lothian to share their views on the provision of funded childcare and early learning support as part of a consultation by East Lothian Council.
The consultation, which closes on 9 February, seeks to gather views from local parents and carers about the expansion of funded early learning and childcare provision in East Lothian.
Since August last year, funded nursery hours have been increased from 600 hours to 1,400 hours for all 3-5 year olds and eligible 2 year olds.
Funded nursery hours can be spent in a school or private nursery, or with a childminder or community group.
Accompanying the increase was the introduction of two models for nurseries in East Lothian to adopt for funded nursery provision: a 38-week per year model and a 48-week per year model
The 38-week model allows children to attend 6.5 hours of nursery per day on Mondays-Thursdays and 4 hours of nursery on Friday mornings.
The 48-week model allows children to attend 9.5 hours of nursery on Mondays, Tuesdays and alternating Fridays; or 9.5 hours of nursey on Wednesdays, Thursdays and alternating Fridays.
Nurseries have the choice of which model to offer.
Commenting on the situation, Mr Hoy said: “It’s very important that parents and carers make their views heard so that funded nursery provision can be improved for everyone in East Lothian.
"I would encourage parents and carers of young children to participate in the consultation on funded nursery and childcare provision online.
“Wherever possible in the future I hope that the system of funded care in East Lothian is flexible and can respond to parents’ needs.”
You can participate in the consultation at: https://eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/policy-partnerships/1140-hours-parental-questionnaire/
