Families now able to access 1140 hours of early learning across the Highlands

Highland Council has confirmed that 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision is now being provided across the region.

The Scottish Government and local authorities committed to the delivery of 1140 hours of funded ELC from August 2021.

The council has now met this requirement from the start of the new academic year.

Councillor John Finlayson, chair of the council's education committee, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm delivery of 1140 hours of funded ELC provision in the Highlands. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping us to achieve this requirement.

"This has been a large project, involving childminders, partner settings and our own council settings. All have worked hard to overcome the challenges that Covid-19 presented which delayed our ability to deliver this essential service until now.

"Many families from now and in the future will greatly benefit from this provision.”

There remain some contingency or interim arrangements in place for some settings awaiting completion of capital works. However, all children, parents and carers can access the 1140 hours of annual provision should they wish to.

A new Gaelic Medium service is to be opened in Glenurquhart which will deliver 1140 once renovations and alterations are complete in the school.

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