Time running out to apply for free nursery places
The deadline for nursery applications across South Lanarkshire is approaching.
From August, up to 30 hours per week of free early learning and childcare (ELC) during termtime will be available to all children across South Lanarkshire aged three and four, and some as young as two.
In addition to term-time places, there are also new and expanded options across South Lanarkshire for 52 week ELC places with the 1140 funded hours spread across the year.
Anyone who would like their child to benefit from 1140 hours of free ELC from August must register an application with the council by February 28.
Over the last year, and continuing into the coming months, the council has been delivering a programme of enhanced nursery provision in all areas of South Lanarkshire.
Head of education, Stewart Nicolson, said: “We aim to ensure that all our youngest children have the very best start in life.
“We will provide the highest quality of ELC that ensures the children are happy, well cared for and have the highest quality learning opportunities through an ethos of respect, happiness, fun and inspirational play and environments”.
Parents and carers will now have more choice than ever when considering what nursery provision will best suit their young ones.
Options include term-time nursery classes attached to schools, 52 week provision in standalone establishments, extended hours and additional support provision.
The number of partnership providers offering funded places is also on the rise with a total of 111 private nurseries, playgroups and childminders available.
The new and soon to be opened nurseries adding to the range of options the council can offer are: Millburn Nursery, Cambuslang - opened December 2020;
Springlaw ELC, Cambuslang – opening end February 2021;
Lightburn ELC, Cambuslang – opening April 2021.
In addition, new and enlarged nursery classes in local primary schools are further adding to the choices available:
St Columbkille’s Primary, Rutherglen – opening August 2021.
By August, South Lanarkshire Council will offer a total of 20 standalone nurseries and 64 nursery classes.
Councillor Katy Loudon, chairwoman of education, said: “Nursery can play an important role in helping children build the solid foundations on which to base their education as they go on through life. It is also great for social skills and lots of fun, with funded places available for all three- and four-year-olds.
“I would encourage all families to consider enrolling their young ones for early years education.”
There is a nursery A-Z and area lists for details of both council and funded provider nurseries and childminders.
The Locate It mapping service can also be used to find information on local nurseries.
Application forms are available from all council and funded provider nurseries.
The deadline for applications for the year ahead is February 28.
The prospect of his wife being in labour terrified Lisa Harris’s husband, Stevan.
Feigning indifference, he’d remind her continually during early pregnancy that he wouldn’t mind if she chose another birthing partner. He’d be happy to wait outside. But the way she looked at it, if she was doing it, so was he.
“I’ve always had a positive outlook on pregnancy and birthing,”said former nursery manager, Lisa.
“A lot of people look at it with fear, I guess. When you watch someone on TV or hear stories, there’s always a lot of screaming and shouting. What a traumatic start in life for a baby.”
Before she knew hypnobirthing existed, Lisa knew it was what she wanted.
But with all social media posts and podcasts originating from women in London, Lisa admits she’d become resigned to the likelihood that hypnobirthing would not be a viable option for her in the West of Scotland.
Then, through the mum of a little boy in her nursery, she happened upon Lynsey McGillivray, a midwife based in her home town of East Kilbride.
“When I found out about Lynsey, I thought Stevan would think it was all a bit hippy-dippy,”admits Lisa, 30.
“He was open to it, but wondered if it would mean someone coming into our living room, and would it be hypnosis.
Once I explained my early understanding was that it was just about knowledge — and the more you know, knowledge is power.
“After session one, he was a complete convert and absolutely loved it.”
The couple messaged Lynsey during labour, and the midwife counted the contractions with Lisa, advising when the time was right to make their way to hospital.
Lisa was 7cm dilated and, with no pain relief, was experiencing a level of discomfort that would match the average woman at 3cm.
“When we got to hospital, the first thing they asked was if I wanted an epidural. If you’ve not had coaching and knowledge, you’re scared and vulnerable— and you’ll take what’s on offer,”said Lisa.
“Like Lynsey explained, would you run a marathon, never having trained for it?”
Empowered by knowledge, Lisa turned down the offer — and resisted when consultants suggested her seemingly small baby be induced early.
Rory, now aged two, was born weighing a healthy 7lb 3oz — and the couple went on to have Harper, who is seven months old, during lockdown using virtual hypnobirthing coaching from Lynsey.
“Having your own knowledge is the strongest thing you take from
Stevan had every bit of knowledge and became a strong advocate for me during labour Lisa Harris
hypnobirthing,”said Lisa, of Stewartfield, who now works as an early years inspector for the Care Inspectorate.
“Stevan had every bit of knowledge, and became a strong advocate for me during labour. The midwives commented afterwards about what an amazing birthing partner he was.
“How did he go from that person who was so terrified, to fighting all my battles in my moment of need?
“One of the things that amazes people is that Rory was born asleep. “During labour, he didn’t wake up. “He was transferred on to me so naturally. So, when he did wake up, he was already on my skin.”