Families are set to benefit from extra nursery time for children and five new centres as Renfrewshire Council unveils plans for a phased roll-out of the area’s early learning and childcare provision.


The plans set out the expansion between now and 2021 to meet the Scottish Government’s target of increasing free early learning and childcare from 600 hours annually to 1,140 by August 2020.


The expansion will give parents more flexibility in their choice of services, meaning they can choose from council, private and volunteer-run nursery classes, centres and childminding.


They will also be able to choose their preferred option of nursery or childminding session, such as a service which opens between 8am to 6pm over the school year and specific options of six hours per day over 38 weeks, based on the school calendar. There will also be an increase in the number of places commissioned from independent and private nurseries.


The proposals will be put before councillors tomorrow (Friday).


Councillor Jim Paterson, education and children’s services convener, said: “The increased provision will enhance children’s learning and parents will have flexibility while also being able to access affordable childcare, which will then allow parents the opportunity to go back into work or go to college or university.


 “We are committed to providing the best learning environments for young children.”

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Parents and carers should continue to apply to their local nursery for a place for their child and when capacity to accommodate 1,140 hours becomes available, they will be contacted.


Under the proposals, nine early learning and childcare nursery classes, located in primary schools, will operate on an extended day and 50 weeks a year. However, parents will still be able to access school day and term time provision at Williamsburgh and St Catherine’s in Paisley, St Margaret’s in Johnstone, St John Bosco and St Anne’s in Erskine, East Fulton in Linwood and Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weir and Houston Primary Schools.


To support the plans, the council is proposing to build five new centres as well as refurbishing and extending more than 24 existing buildings.


More than £14million will be invested in early years buildings, while £22m has been earmarked for more jobs.