Increased Entitlement to Early Learning and Childcare Across Scotland from August 2014 Currently in East Lothian nursery aged children are entitled to 12.5 hours every week of the school year (total 475 hours per year) of pre-school education The Scottish Government is proposing to extend this to 600 hours of early learning and childcare from August 2014 The intention is to offer parents more choice and flexibility. We are seeking the views of parents and carers to consider how these additional hours may be used. How can parents and carers have their say? We are starting the process of consultation through focus groups facilitated by Support From the Start, parent councils and online surveys. Paper copies of surveys will be available by request through your school and nursery. Focus groups: The focus groups will be established across East Lothian. These are going to be held in the following areas by the end September 2013:Prestonpans
Tues 3rd Sept 2013 6.30 – 8.30pm
Port Seton Community Centre
Dunbar
Wed 4th Sept 2013 6.30 – 8.30pm
Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar
Haddington
Thurs 5th Sept 2013 6.30 – 8.30pm
Town House, Haddington
Tranent
Tues 10th Sept 2013 6.30 – 8.30pm
Sandersons Wynd Primary School
Musselburgh
Wed 11th Sept 2013 6.30 – 8.30pm
Brunton Hall, Musselburgh
North Berwick
Thurs 12th Sept 2013 6.30 – 8.30pm
North Berwick Community Centre
Survey All parents and carers are invited to complete a survey about this development. More information can be found on the Scottish Government website. The survey will be available on East Lothian Council website www.eastlothian.gov.uk From Monday 2nd September to Friday 20th September 2013 The survey is confidential and should only take 5 minutes to complete Over the next 6 months there will be further opportunities to be involved as we get further information from the Scottish Government and collect the views of parent/carers