New focus on kids in pre-school education

Councillor to take up role

North Lanarkshire Council have appointed a new early- years champion to promote the benefits of early learning and childcare.

The council said a positive early- years experience is regarded as essential to providing children with the best start in life.

Councillor Frank McNally, convener of education, will take up the new role.

He said: “The creation of this post reinforces our council’s commitment to investing in early-years education and the importance we place on ensuring all our young people reach their full potential.

“I look forward to working more closely with early-years professionals within the council and with our partner organisations such as the NHS to improve outcomes for children and families.

“In January 2016 it was announced that parents of all 3-5-year-old children and those of eligible two-year-olds will be entitled to 1140 hours of early learning and childcare by 2020 – almost double the previous amount.

“The early-years team have been working hard to recruit and train new members of staff as well as create new nursery facilities to cope with the anticipated demand this will bring.

“The expansion of the childcare service will be a significant focus of the council for the foreseeable future.”

The early years team has been working very hard