All early learning and childcare settings in Shetland have been delivering 1140 provision since August 2020. Flexibility and choice is at the heart of this policy and parents and carers can choose their preferred provider and set a weekly pattern to suit their needs.
When Shetland Island Council introduced additional funded early learning and childcare in August 2020, 40% of families opted to use their full 1140 hours entitlement. A further 43% opted for some additional hours on top of their previous entitlement of 600 hours. In August 2021, 92% of children were accessing more than 600 hours of funded ELC, with 44% accessing their full 1140 hours entitlement.
Flexibility and choice is at the heart of this policy and parents and carers could choose their preferred provider and set a weekly pattern to suit their needs. There is the option for year-round or term-time provision.
Families have the options of split placements between more than one provider and blended placements to incorporate a childminder blend.
An extensive refurbishments and building works programme has been undertaken. This has allowed Shetland Islands Council to increase the capacity of their settings and support the development of unique indoor/outdoor areas which meet the needs of our climate.
Since 2016, the local Early Learning and Childcare workforce has increased by 40%.
The developing workforce has benefited from a large increase and investment in staff training and support with setting development plans.
There has been significant input into developing much wider networking opportunities for staff groups, which is able to support a better delivery of service.
The high uptake of placements reflect how well this scheme has been received locally by parents and carers, and families will benefit significantly from this provision.