Early Learning & Childcare

From August 2021, all three and four year old children in Scotland can benefit from up to 1140 hours of early learning and childcare (ELC) provision each year.  Some two year olds are also eligible for these services. 

To ensure that ELC places are available for those who need them, councils work with private and third sector providers to deliver funded places for local children in their area. ELC services include childminders, voluntary, independent schools and private nurseries. They all have different infrastructure costs, depending on the type of setting and the council area.

In 2018, the Scottish Government commissioned Scotland Excel to develop guidance to help councils and providers prepare for the expansion of ELC provision.  Based on the Funding Follows the Child approach, which provides greater choice for parents and guardians, it includes options for setting local sustainable rates.

Scotland Excel can also support councils with the implementation of the guidance and calculating a local rate.  Working with the council's service area specialists, we propose a range of calculation models with the flexibility to choose the option which best suits their requirements. 

Next, we engage with local ELC providers to get the inputs needed to run the calculation to establish a local, sustainable hourly rate including payment of the Scottish Living Wage to staff.  Involving providers in the process ensures that their requirements are considered and establishes a positive relationship with the council. 

Please note that this service is not currently available from Scotland Excel as similar support is being provided by the Improvement Service during 2022.