Local authorities will receive £21 million in revenue and £30 million in capital funding to support the expansion of ELC to 1140 hours by 2020.
Revenue funding allocation states:
- Extended opening hours for existing ELC settings, or opening new settings to build capacity for 1140 hours, including revenue implications of any capital expenditure
- Developing or expanding the involvement of childminders in the provision of ELC, including “blended” models involving provision in both group and domestic settings
- Enhanced provision for children with additional support needs
- Implementing or expanding innovative models of workforce deployment and training, both in local authority and partner providers
- Developing, introducing or expanding outdoor nursery provision; and supporting delivery of the additional graduate commitment by providing backfill for staff requiring day release for study towards the BA in Childhood Practice.
Capital funding allocation states:
- Initiatives that have the potential to realise additional capacity for 1140 hours, through making the best use of the existing public sector estate such as an extension, remodelling or refurbishment of existing ELC settings or other public assets to enable extended opening hours and / or additional capacity
- Initiatives that support the development of ELC settings which seek to embrace the Curriculum for Excellence’s emphasis on a broader learning experience through active learning and learning outdoors and providing capital grants to delivery partners, including third sector and private providers, in furtherance of these purposes.
Both funds are ring fenced for ELC and local authorities have to report to government on how the money was spent.
They will receive the funds in June 2017. Please get in touch with your local authority officials to access either of these funds and if there are any issues with access contact NDNA Scotland on 0131 516 6967.