East Lothian Council’s Early Years team is asking parents and carers of babies and toddlers aged from birth to two to complete a quick survey.

The survey results will help to support the planning of the county’s future early learning and childcare.

Families are being asked what childcare they currently use and what type of provision they might look for in the future. This could include informal childcare from family and friends, private or council nursery, childminders, community group or a blend of different options. The information will be used to help determine overall provision in East Lothian ahead of children accessing their funded hours from age 3 (or from age 2 in some cases).

Early Learning and Childcare Lead Officer Emma Murray said: “We work in partnership with funded private nurseries, childminders and community groups, as well as through our own settings, to provide a range of choices for parents and carers.

“We know that families with young babies and toddlers are juggling a lot of demands so we have ensured our survey is very quick and easy to complete online. The responses will help us to understand what choices people may make in the future and help us plan a high-quality early learning and childcare service that recognises this demand.

"We hope that families can support this work by sharing their views through the survey.”

The survey is available online at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/0-2-survey until 9 February 2024.

Published: Wednesday, 10th January 2024