Private sector nursery providers commit to expanded Early Learning and Childcare provision

The future of nursery provision in Moray received a boost yesterday when private sector nurseries committed to the programme.

All 12 phase one partner provider nurseries have confirmed they are able to deliver the extra funded hours for eligible children using their service from August.

By 2020 all three and four year olds, and eligible two year-olds, will receive 1140 hours of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC), with Moray phasing in the approach starting this August.

Currently, ELC across all of Moray is delivered via 22 Moray Council school nurseries and 36 partner providers, with childminders providing funded places for eligible two year olds.

From August the first phase of the programme, funded by the Scottish Government, will commence in selected postcode areas, with the remainder of Moray coming on stream over the following two years.

Chair of Moray Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Cllr Sonya Warren, said:

“The nursery expansion is extremely exciting for Moray as we begin to see it taking shape from this August. This important and progressive approach towards a focus on quality, flexible early learning and childcare will equip our youngest learners with the skills they need to develop throughout life.

“I look forward to more partner providers coming on board to deliver the increased hours in the lead up to 2020.”

Work is progressing on the £600,000 refurbishment of the Lady Cathcart centre in Buckie in preparation of the expanded provision in that area.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.