Funding Follows the Child
Early Learning and Childcare – 1140 hours
The Scottish Government increased the annual entitlement of funded Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) for all 3-4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds to 1140 hours a year. This will give parents more choice and flexibility in the way they can access these hours.
It will be possible to share hours between different Early Learning & Childcare providers and these will include:
- Fife Council nursery
- Private Nursery that in partnership with Fife Council
- Playgroup that is in partnership with Fife Council
- Childminder who is in partnership with Fife Council
There are two patterns of attendance for families to choose from:
- Term time
- Across the whole year
Playgroup is a viable alternative to Nursery
Here are a few similarities, differences, and myths we would like to dispel:
- You can take all your entitlement with the Playgroup or split your time between Playgroup and another setting. Playgroup follows the same curriculum, and we have to meet the same care and educational standards as other Early Years Setting.
- Both patterns of attendance are available at Playgroup along with optional wrap around care.
- Your child can stay at playgroup right up to going to school. Transition sessions and visits to school will still be available to your child. This builds children’s confidence and independence.
- The Playgroup has a ratio of 1 adult to 5 children whereas a local authority nursery has a ratio of 1 adult to 12 children.
- The experienced, qualified staff get to know your children can respond to their needs and interests.
- The focus at Playgroup is on learning through play and is child led.
- Smaller numbers at Playgroup enable your child to gain in confidence in talking to adults and other children, allowing them to make choices and have their thoughts and wishes listened to.
- You can benefit from being involved in your child’s experience at Playgroup, making decisions about activities, trips, fundraising, and events.
Help support Pitreavie Playgroup by making online purchases via easy fundraising
Charity Number SCO22912