Expansion of early learning and childcare
On 23 March 2017, the Minister for Childcare and Early Years delivered a key statement to the Scottish Parliament on key elements of the future policy direction, expansion and delivery framework of early learning and childcare (ELC) in Scotland.
The expansion will almost double the number of free hours of ELC entitlement available to parents and carers from 600 hours to 1140 hours by August 2020. In order to deliver this entitlement across the East Ayrshire Council estate a review of provision was undertaken and a report was presented to and agreed at cabinet on 27 June 2018. This report advised of progress to date in delivering the priorities set out in the Early Learning and Childcare Plan 2016-2018 and outlined the implementation of 1140 hours during the period 2018-2021 to deliver the expansion of early learning and childcare.
As part of this expansion, East Ayrshire Council has committed to build a new Early Childhood Centre on the site of Netherthird Primary School and Early Childhood Centre to replace the current facility.
Project timeline
Start date: July 2019
Finish date: August 2020
Project update
- Service commenced at the new facility in August 2020, allowing for the demolition of the old building.
- The planned date for the commencement of the service in the new building is 8 April 2020. Once children move into the new facility, it will be all systems go to demolish the building and start works on the new primary school.
- A drop in session to allow parents, staff and the community to view the plans for the new Early Childhood Centre will be held in Netherthird Early Childhood Centre on 11 October 2018 between 11.15am and 12.45pm and also in Netherthird Primary School (currently located in Greenmill Primary School building) during parents' evening on 11 October 2018 between 3.30pm and 8pm.
- Parents and staff were invited to comment on the plans and the feedback was very positive from all who attended the sessions.
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