Council approves date for reinstatement of expanded Early Learning and Childcare hours

21 January 2021

Aberdeen City Council has approved a date for the reinstatement of extended Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) hours for pre-school children.

The Education Operational Delivery Committee agreed a date of August 2021 for the reinstatement of the statutory provision of extended hours from 600 to 1140 hours per child per annum.

In March 2020, and a result of the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Scottish Government remove the duty on Local Authorities make available the extended hours to eligible two-year-olds and all three and four-year-olds.

Despite the impact of the pandemic, work has continued behind the scenes with Aberdeen City Council officers preparing for the reinstatement of the extended ELC provision.

Work has also resumed on the Council’s £23 million building programme which will see 27 new or upgraded Local Authority nurseries across the city to cater for the enhanced provision. This includes two new innovative outdoor learning settings at Hazlehead Park and Duthie Park.

Committee Convener, Councillor John Wheeler, said: “I am delighted that we have agreed a date for the reinstatement of extended ELC hours in Aberdeen. I am sure that parents and carers of young children across the city will share this sentiment. They will be able to apply online for places for their children as of next week.

“I would like to thank our officers for their hard work behind the scenes in helping us get to this stage. As our massive investment in infrastructure shows, we have remained committed, despite the pandemic, to delivering first class early learning and childcare in Aberdeen once safe to do so. “

Parents and carers can apply for a Council-run nursery place on Monday 25 January by visiting:

https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/education-and-childcare/apply-nursery-school-place-202122