Nurseryexpansion andfreemealstrial

Plans are being looked at to expand nursery provision in Perth and Kinross.

This comes as the Scottish Government aims to increase the number of childcare hours from 600 to 1140 for all three and four year olds, and some eligible two year olds.

To ensure this, Perth and Kinross Council says it is planning to expand some of its early years services.

This will include expanding both the number of local authority nursery places and partner provider nurseries, and introducing childminders to its early years service.

A council spokesperson said: “By 2020 all three and four year olds and some eligible two year olds will be entitled to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare.

“In order to meet the expected demand for spaces by 2020, Perth and Kinross Council plans to enhance some existing local authority nurseries, increase partnership with partner provider nurseries and also introduce childminders in the early learning and childcare options for parents.

“The council currently works in partnership with 36 funded provider nurseries, allowing families to access their current entitlement of 600 hours within these settings.

“Partner provider nurseries are known to deliver high quality early learning experiences and it is the council’s intention to strengthen and increase partnership through the implementation of 1140 hours.

“Partner provider nurseries will also be able to continue to offer the flexibility and additional paid for hours.”

This new approach to early learning provision also means a number of children will be entitled to a free meal.

Childcare bosses at the council are proposing to introduce a ‘family mealtime approach’ to help deal with this demand.

The council spokesperson continued: “As part of the expansion of early learning and childcare, children accessing a full day of funded childcare will also be entitled to a free meal.

“The council is proposing the introduction of a ‘family mealtime approach’ throughout nurseries delivering 1140 hours.

“This is currently being trialled within a number of council nurseries and also within partner provider nurseries.” See www.pkc. gov.uk/preschool