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16/11/2016

Scottish Govt Announces Early Learning & Childcare Expansion Trials

The Scottish Government has announced the first three locations to participate in its Early Learning and Childcare expansion trials.

The trials form part of the government's aim to increase the flexibility, quality and quantity of childcare provision. They will commence in January 2017 and will test various models including extended days and cover over the holiday period, 'Stay and Play' for two-year-olds where parents are reluctant to leave their children, and improved access to outdoor learning.

The locations taking part in the trials are Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Borders.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said: "High quality early learning and childcare plays a vital role in narrowing the attainment gap that is why this Government has gone further than any other in our commitment to expanding free entitlement.

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"But, the Scottish Government is not simply determined to increase the amount of early learning and childcare. We are also determined to deliver the flexibility that families need to make best use of high quality childcare.

"Right now, councils work hard to be flexible but we must all acknowledge that too often the system does not offer places where and when families need them. We are going to change that.

"We have already launched a major consultation looking at different options, including blending together ideas like funding following the child and Children in Scotland's Childcare Commission proposal that parents can opt to receive funding in a childcare account."

He added: "By trialling different delivery models we will be better able to understand what parents and children need and want. The three successful local authorities announced today put forward a diverse range of proposals and I look forward to seeing how these work in practice."

The trials will commence in January 2017 and will be supported by more than £138,000 Scottish Government funding. The remaining trials programme will be announced in December.

(JP/LM)

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"The Scottish Government has announced the first three locations to participate in its Early Learning and Childcare expansion trials."