Early Learning and Childcare

Why are changes being made to nursery hours in some settings? 

These adjustments are being made in response to how families are currently using Early Learning and Childcare (EL&CC) places. They're also part of a plan to create a more stable and sustainable service that allows us to continue meeting our legal duty to provide funded EL&CC for all eligible children. 

Why is this happening now? 

This is part of long-term planning to support the growth of our communities and ensure we can continue offering high-quality childcare for years to come. We know this will be a transition, and our team is here to support families in exploring the options available for August 2026 and beyond. 

Why weren't families consulted before these changes? 

Local authorities are empowered to make operational decisions to meet legal responsibilities without formal consultation. We have drawn upon available data, alongside the completion of associated Impact Assessments to reach this decision.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to consult every two years on the provision of EL&CC, to inform the planning and delivery of services. Our Education and Children's Services consulted with the public about EL&CC most recently in November 2023. 

The new nursery hours don't work for my job. What are my options? 

Families can also access their funded hours with a Funded Provider. We work in partnership with private nurseries, community groups and childminders who provide high quality Early Learning and Childcare and offer funded hours on behalf of the council. All funded providers must meet the national standards for early learning and childcare. Parents should contact the nursery directly for full details of the funding models they offer.

We also currently offer blended placements, allowing you to split funding between two settings. We are working to increase the blended model options to offer more choice for families. 

I need a 48-week nursery, but my local one is changing to term-time. What can I do? 

We understand how important year-round care is for working families. So, whilst it may not be as convenient to travel to another 48-week setting, capacity will be available for families that prefer this model to suit their work commitments, and this can be at any of our remaining ten 48-week settings. We're also increasing capacity in these settings to make sure families who need this model can access it. Blended placements may also help meet your needs. 

Will staff leave or quality be affected by these changes? 

We're committed to maintaining high-quality care. A service review is underway to support our current staff through this transition and ensure we have a skilled and stable workforce to meet future demand.

Will wraparound care be available for nursery-aged children? 

We don't currently offer standalone wraparound care for nursery-aged children, but some private providers may. We recommend contacting them directly to explore what's available. 

Can my child still attend our local nursery? 

EL&CC does not operate within catchment areas, instead families are able to apply to access their EL&CC funded entitlement in available settings across their local authority or in other local authorities across Scotland. This choice is also available to families in neighbouring authorities applying for places in East Lothian provisions. We have strived in East Lothian to offer families choice as well as places at their local setting and will continue to do so, however cannot guarantee families will be allocated places at their chosen settings and may have to travel to an alternative setting.  

Why wasn't I offered a place at the nursery I wanted? 

Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the funded EL&CC entitlement is available for all eligible children in their area (East Lothian). Legislation states that the local authority has a duty to provide sufficient places for eligible children; it does not specify that this is a setting of a parents' choice. We will continue to meet this duty with the proposed change in delivery models by providing adequate EL&CC places, in an equitable way, for eligible children in East Lothian whose parents would like a place.  

Will these changes affect women's ability to work? 

We've carefully considered the impact of these changes, including how they may affect working parents. You can read more in our Integrated Impact Assessment.   

Can the council help with private nursery fees? 

We don't offer a top-up scheme. However, you can use your funded hours at a private nursery that partners with us. View a list of private nurseries. 

Will 48-week nurseries be able to accommodate more children? 

Yes. We're planning to expand places in some of our 48-week settings to meet the needs of families who require year-round care. 

Why make changes in growing villages? 

These changes are part of a long-term plan to support growth and ensure sustainability. We're working to make this transition as smooth as possible and will support families in finding suitable options. 

What if my child can't attend our local nursery anymore? 

We'll continue to provide enough places for all eligible children, even if that means attending a different setting. Families can apply for places across East Lothian or in neighbouring areas. While we aim to offer local options, we can't guarantee a place at your first choice. 

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