In East Ayrshire, there are four main models of delivery for early learning and childcare (ELC).
All models of delivery include the option to have a:
- combination of ELC between two centres or
- blended model with a participating childminder who meets the National Standard
A meal is provided with all models.
Model 1
Up to 1140 hours across 38 weeks (term time, for example 9am to 3pm) and is available in both term time and full year services.
Please note places in full year services are limited.
Model 2
Up to 1140 hours as a block model - 4 hours 45 minutes across 48 weeks:
- long morning 8am to 12:45pm or
- long afternoon 1:15pm to 6pm
Available in full year services only.
Model 3
Up to 1140 hours to be taken across two full days and one half day:
- 9.5 hours per day between 8am and 6pm and
- half day 8am to 12:45pm or 1:15pm to 6pm
Available in full year services only.
Please note that the number of places with this pattern will be limited and the days must be consecutive at the beginning or the end of the week:
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning
- Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday
Model 4
Up to 1140 hours as a blended model or split placement provides combination ELC packages of time:
- blended model: Early Childhood Centre (ECC) or funded ELC provider and with a participating childminder or
- split placement between two different ELC settings, such as ECC and funded ELC provider
Using a combination of time between two different settings provides a flexible service that gives parents and carers the choice of early learning and childcare that fit around their family’s needs.
If childcare needs exceed 1140 hours, parents and carers also have the option to privately fund additional hours with those funded ELC providers or childminders that have capacity.
Childminders
Childminders who are on our contract framework can deliver either up to 1140 hours of ELC or blended model noted in the guide.
Blended model for childminders
A blended model offers a combination of ELC with:
- a participating registered childminder and
- either an early childhood centre or a funded provider
When applying for a blended model with a childminder a separate application does not need to be submitted to the childminder. Parents should negotiate the split of the placement with the participating childminder and the ECC or funded ELC provider.
For the 9am to 3pm pattern of hours and with a blended model; where the blend is on a daily basis (some time with a participating childminder and in the ECC or funded provider (FP) each day) attendance of three hours at the ECC and FP is expected. This amount of time allows your child to settle in and become fully engaged in the opportunities available.
For more information about the blended model, please email East Ayrshire Community Childcare Team communitychildcaresupport-admin@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Split placement between two centres
If you wish to apply for a split placement between two ELC settings you should complete an online application for each ELC setting. Please ensure that you have negotiated the split pattern of attendance and note this in both applications.
The allocation of split places will be dependent on both settings being able to offer the hours requested.
Where parents and carers are seeking a change in pattern we advise early discussion with both settings and that four weeks notice is given to both.