Early Learning and Childcare Models
In East Ayrshire, there are four main models of delivery.
All models of delivery include the option to have a combination of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) between two centres or a blended model with a participating childminder who meet the National Standard.
A meal is provided with all models.
Model 1
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 these places in full year services are limited.
Model 2
1140 hours - the Block Model: a block is 4 hours 45 minutes across 48 weeks:
- a long morning 8am-12.45pm or
- a long afternoon 1.15pm-6pm
Available in full year services only.
Individual circumstance will be considered if parents require a pattern of six blocks per week taken in term time (30 hours) as three whole days if they are in employment or attending college or university.
Model 3
1140 hours to be taken across two full days and one half day:
- 9.5 hours per day between 8am and 6pm and
- a half day 8am to 12.45pm or 1.15pm- 6pm
Available in full year services only.
Model 4
1140 hours as a Blended Model or split placement provides combination ELC packages of time:
- Blended Model - an ECC or funded ELC provider and with a participating childminder or
- Split placement between two different ELC settings ie ECC and funded ELC provider
Parents/carers can also access their child’s funded hours as a shared placement between an early childhood centre and a funded provider (split placement) which includes childminders (blended model). Using a combination of time between two different settings provides a flexible service that gives parents/carers the choice of early learning and childcare that fit around their family’s needs.
Parents/carers can also have the option to privately fund additional hours with those funded providers or childminders if their childcare needs exceed 1140 hours.
Blended model – childminders
We are also keen to include a blended model of ELC which offers a combination of ELC with a participating registered childminder and either an early childhood centre or a funded provider. To confirm if your childminder is participating in this model or for more information about the blended model, please contact East Ayrshire Community Childcare Team by email communitychildcaresupport-admin@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.
When applying for a blended model with a childminder, applications should be returned to your first choice of early childhood centre or funded provider. A separate application does not need to be submitted to the childminder but parents should negotiate the split of the placement with the participating childminder and the early childhood centre or funded provider.
For the 9am to 3pm pattern of hours and with a blended model; where the blend is on a daily basis (ie some time with a participating childminder and in the early childhood centre (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.
Split placement between two centres
If you wish to apply for a split placement between two centres you will need to make an application to each setting.
Please be aware that although every effort will be made to meet your needs, there is no guarantee that it will be possible to offer split funded places in every case.
The allocation of split places will be dependent on both settings being able to offer the hours requested.