Early Learning and Childcare Annual Report ECSPB
Renfrewshire Council · 30 October 2025
Back to Education and Children's Services Policy Board — 30 October 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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To: Education and Children’s Services Policy Board On: 30 October 2025 Report by: Director of Children’s Services Heading: Early Learning and Childcare Annual Report 1. Summary 1.1 The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare Statutory Guidance, July 2021 (“Statutory Guidance”) places a duty on local authorities to ensure funded early learning and childcare (ELC) is made available to eligible children in their area. All children aged 3 and 4 and some 2-year-olds are eligible to receive 1140 hours of ELC per year. 1.2 Renfrewshire Council continues to implement the legislative requirements, by ensuring sufficient ELC provision to meet the statutory requirements of delivering 1140 hours of free ELC to all eligible children. 1.3 The Council has routinely reported on the ELC expansion to deliver 1140 to all eligible children, with the most recent report presented to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board on the 16 January 2025. The purpose of this report is to provide an annual update to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board of the Council’s continued implementation of ELC in Renfrewshire, reflecting on our approaches to ensuring quality, flexibility, accessibility and affordability of provision and experiences for young children and their families. This is the first annual report of this type to be presented to the Policy Board. _________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 The Education and Children’s Services Policy Board is asked to note the continued progress in delivering 1140 hours of ELC in Renfrewshire. __________________________________________________________________
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3. Background 3.1 The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (Modification) Order 2021 amended the entitlement of ELC from 600 hours to 1140 hours, effective from 1 August 2021. The Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare Statutory Guidance, July 2021 (“Statutory Guidance”) places a duty on local authorities to ensure that funded ELC is made available to eligible children in their area. 3.2 The current entitlement of 1140 hours can be claimed for all 3 and 4-year-old children and is available to eligible 2-year-olds as defined within the criteria laid out by the Scottish Government. The eligibility criteria for 2-year-olds includes children who live in a household with entitlement to qualifying benefits; as well as children who have been looked after by the Council or are a child of a care-experienced parent. A meal provision is included as part of the ELC entitlement. 3.3 Renfrewshire Council has continued to observe the duty to provide ELC to eligible children through the provision of places in local authority and funded providers, which includes private and voluntary sector nurseries and childminders. The Council’s Flexible Framework for ELC enables the Council to commission places from approved funded providers. In Renfrewshire, all families applying for 1140 hours of funded ELC for eligible children can access this. 3.4 The 1140 hours expansion of ELC is underpinned by four key principles quality, accessibility, flexibility, and affordability. A key aim of the expansion is to raise the attainment of all children with a focus on giving children the best start in life and in narrowing the poverty related attainment gap. ELC provision in Renfrewshire is mapped across 10 geographical admissions panel areas to ensure a mixed model of provision and range of providers, ensuring these 4 key principles are fully reflected in Renfrewshire Council’s delivery of ELC. Appendix one attached to this report details the list of settings and models of delivery. 3.5 There are several factors that influence the demand for ELC places in a local area. The Scottish’s Government’s Funding Follows the Child policy means that families have flexibility on where they choose to access their child’s entitled ELC, this can include accessing a place in either a local authority ELC establishment or funded provider setting; within the area a family resides in; or in any area across Renfrewshire Council or in an establishment out with the Renfrewshire Council area, this is referred to as a cross border placement. 3.6 In line with sections 31 and 32 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 parents of children that are still 4 years old on the date they are eligible to start school can defer their child’s start at primary school for a year and that child is automatically entitled to additional year of funded ELC. The entitlement to an additional year of ELC was fully implemented from August 2023. Prior to August 2023 only children born in January and February were automatically entitled to an additional year of funded ELC, with those born between August to December able to apply for funding on a discretionary basis. 3.7 Renfrewshire Council continues to engage with parents and carers and to comply with the duty placed on local authorities under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, to consult on a 2 yearly cycle with representative populations of parents to gather information on demand, need and preferences relating to ELC
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and childcare for children aged 0 to 14 years. A current consultation exercise has just concluded, with the results of this being reported to policy board in 2026. __________________________________________________________________ 4 Data – ELC Uptake and Demand 4.1 Since the full implementation of the 1140 expansion in August 2021 Renfrewshire Council has continued to remain within capacity for ELC provision, with the overall total capacity reducing over time due the continued review of provision and adjustments being made. 4.2 In June 2025, the total roll was 113 places below the total ELC capacity of 4083, this is equivalent to 3% of total capacity which is unused. The June 2025 position shows a reduction in the level of spare capacity across all local authority and funded provider settings from the previous session; with 8% spare capacity reported in June 2024. 4.3 Since session 2022/23 to this current time the number of places in local authority establishments have reduced by approximately 160. This reduction includes changes approved by the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board in January 2025, relating to a change to the delivery model at St Margaret’s ELC (panel 1) and a reduction in the overall capacity at Glenfield ELC (panel 6) through the amalgamation of all the children into the main ELC building. 4.4 Graph 1 below shows the level of uptake and demand for ELC across Renfrewshire’s admissions panel areas: Graph 1 – Renfrewshire: 3–5-year-old uptake: 4.5 The data continues to show a level of variation in the uptake and demand across the individual admissions panel areas. In June 2025, there were 7 panel areas which were below capacity, with 2 of these areas having an unused capacity which was greater than 10% of the total places available. Graph 2 and Table 1 below illustrates the uptake in all ELC settings by panel area in June 2025: 3795 3734 3884 3849 3970 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 Jun-21 Jun-22 Jun-23 Jun-24 Jun-25 Renfrewshire Early Years Rolls 2021-2025 Current Capacity 4083
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Graph 2 – Uptake and demand of ELC places in all Renfrewshire settings by panel NB: The name and geographical areas covered for each panel area is available in appendix one. Table 1: - Panel Capacity – June 2025 Panel 1 Panel 2 Panel 3 Panel 4 Panel 5 Panel 6 Panel 7 Panel 8 Panel 9 Panel 10 Percentage Capacity Unused (2025) 11% 2% 0% 0% 2% 6% 7% 13% 0% 1% 4.6 The change in the legislation relating to children deferring their entry into primary school (as outlined in paragraph 3.6 above) has resulted in an upward trend on the number of children accessing an additional year of funded ELC. During session 2024/25, 341 accessed an additional year of funded ELC, an increase of approximately 100 children from session 2022/23, when only children born with a January and February birthday were automatically entitled to an additonal year of ELC. The data for 2025/26 suggests this increase may be beginning to level out. 4.7 The deferrals data for individual panel areas shows a level of varation in deferral uptake in most panel areas. Data for session 2025/26 shows an uptake of over 50 children in panel areas 2 and 4 (panels - Erskine, Bishopton, Inchinnan and Langbank; and Houston, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, Weirs Wynd and Kilbarchan). Graphs 3 and 4 below show the number of deferrals since session 2021/22 across Renfrewshire and in individual panel areas:
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Graph 3 – Deferrals across Renfrewshire Graph 4: Deferrals by panel area 4.8 During session 2024/25, 25 children whose 5th birthday was before the start of term in August accessed a discretionary additional year of ELC. For this current session (2025/26) there were 340 applications to defer entry to primary school and to receive an additonal year of ELC, with 325 of these granted. Of the 325, 28 children were aged 5 years before the start of the school term in August 2025. Applications for a discretionary place are assessed on a case by case basis to establish whether an additional year of ELC is more beneficial to the child than going to school. Schools are well placed to meet the needs of all pupils, therefore it is only in very exceptional circumstances that these discretionary requests are granted. __________________________________________________________________ 5. ELC Delivery Models – Ensuring Accessibility, Flexibility and Affordability 5.1 Families in Renfrewshire can continue to choose from a variety of attendance patterns to access their entitlement to 1140 hours of ELC. The models of delivery 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Panel 1 Panel 2 Panel 3 Panel 4 Panel 5 Panel 6 Panel 7 Panel 8 Panel 9 Panel 10 Renfrewshire Deferrals by Panel Area 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 217 243 316 341 325 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 Renfrewshire - Number of Deferrals
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across the 10 geographical admissions panels continues to ensure a mix of Council and Funded Provider settings and mixed model of provision. Currently there are 38 Council ELC establishments, 36 approved Funded Provider establishments and 11 childminders delivering the ELC entitlement. 5.2 In line with key principles for the 1140 hours expansion, each admissions panel area ensures accessible, flexible provision and choice for parents and carers. The range of delivery models, include term time and 52 weeks per year, full day, and part-time places, as follows: - services which open between 8 am to 6 pm over the school year, or calendar year, - services which open for a school day model over the school year, - 2.5 days or 3 days places over the calendar year; or - half days, either mornings or afternoon places over the calendar year - blended placements – enabling children to access their ELC entitlement across more than one setting. 5.3 Renfrewshire Council ELC provision consists of: - 14 ELC classes linked to primary schools, which operate during the school day / term time; - 8 ELC classes linked to primary schools, which operate over a longer day (8 to 6 pm) across the calendar year; - 15 ELC centres (standalone establishments), which operate over a longer day (8 to 6 pm) across the year; and - 1 ELC class for children with complex needs, which operate over a longer day (8 to 6 pm) across the year. 5.4 The full day/ extended year models of delivery enables a level of flexibility in the number of places provided to respond to demand for places in individual ELC settings and admissions panel areas. In doing so settings must continue to maintain a minimum statutory adult:child ratio, for children aged 3 to 5 years this is 1 adult to 8 children, and to comply with the required floor space per child as set in legislation. 5.5 All places are allocated in line with the priorities set within the Council’s ELC Admissions to Nursery Policy, with a ballot held where demand exceeds the space available. The Council continues to be committed to providing an ELC place at a parent/carers preferred place of establishment, where there are suitable places to do so, offering an alternative place in line with the parents noted preferences if this is not possible . 5.6 In the biennial Children and Young People consultation carried out in autumn 2023, 68% of parents who responded indicated that they were happy with the choice of ELC settings available and 90% found their setting to be in a suitable location. The most common reasons why a parent choose a setting was identified as being: to allow parents to work, study, or train (83%), followed by the perception that it would be good for their child’s development (81%).
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5.7 In addition to the biennial consultation the Council carried out an engagement exercise in November 2024 to gather the views from parents and carers using Council ELC provision. Almost all (97%) of respondents indicated that they received an ELC place in their preferred type of establishment and 90% reported that the pattern of attendance allocated to their child met their needs. Admissions data on applications for ELC places between August 2024 and September 2025 showed that almost all (92%) of families were allocated their preferred choice of setting. 5.8 A school day model of placement continues to be a popular choice for parents attending Renfrewshire Council provison, followed by 2.5 or 3 day places. Heads of ELC establisment have continued to be flexible and responsive to parental demand and need, with the 3 day model of place being developed in local authority settings to address this demand. Similarly heads have respnded to the low demand for afternoon places of between 1 and 6 by offering alternative options such as a shorter session time but over a longer period across the calendar year. The majority of funded provider settings continue to offer a mix of places. 5.9 Ensuring affordablity for families in accessing ELC provision continues to be supported through parents supplementing their child’s statutory entitlement with purchased additional hours. This model of delivery is available in both the local authority and funded provider settings. Nursery Management Administration data system (NAMS) indicates that during session 2024/25, approximately 24% of children accessed this model in local authority (3%) and funded providers (21%) settings. 5.10 In line with the Scottish Government’s Funding Follows the Child policy Renfrewshire continues to support cross border places, either through Renfrewshire residents accessing their child’s entitled ELC place in another local authority area, or for children outwith Renfrewshire attending an ELC setting in Renfrewshire. During session 2024/25 108 children from outwith Renfrewshire attended an ELC setting in Renfrewshire and 112 children from Renfrewshire accessed their ELC entitlement in another local authority area. 5.11 The Council continues to use its discretionry powers, as set within section 1(1C) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, to provide ELC children and families identified with a priority need and children who may not otherwise be eligible to funded ELC. This includes babies aged 0 to 2 years, two year olds, and three year olds who gain early access to their funded ELC placement. Discretionary places are allocated in line with the Council’s ELC admissions policy. Currently Renfrewshire Council offers 81 care inspectorate registered places for children aged 0 to 2 years and 307 places for children aged 2 to 3 years. The maximum number of places allocated can be greater than the care inspectorate registered places due to the flexible models of delivery. In addition, the Council uses its powers to purchase discretionary places in a funded provider settings for children under 3 years of age. __________________________________________________________________ 6 Quality 6.1 Quality is at the heart of the delivery of funded ELC entitlement. ELC settings are subject to scrutiny by two separate inspection bodies - the care inspectorate and Education Scotland (HMIe).
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6.2 In January 2025 the care inspectorate and Education Scotland published a new shared Quality Improvement Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Settings. From September 2025 this will replace the current inspection and self-evaluation frameworks used by each body. Children’s Services created a ‘Making Links’ overview to support ELC settings to make connections to quality indicators during the transition phase and to support them with on-going self-evaluation and improvement planning process. Below is the link to the new Quality Framework: https://www.careinspectorate.com/images/documents/8270/Quality%20improvemen t%20framework%20for%20the%20early%20learning%20and%20childcare%20sect ors%20introduction.pdf https://www.careinspectorate.com/images/documents/8272/Early%20learning%20a nd%20childcare%20quality%20indicators%20September%202025.pdf 6.3 The National Standard sets out the required standards for funded providers and local authority establishments; with Councils required to be guarantors of quality in ensuring the provision of high quality ELC in funded provider settings also. To meet the national standard ELC settings are required to achieve an inspection evaluation of 4 and above in all quality indicators inspected by the care inspectorate. The following is the link to the National Standard and Funding Follows the Child Guidance: https://www.gov.scot/publications/funding-follows-child-national-standard-early-learning- childcare-providers-operating-guidance-3/ 6.4 The Council’s Framework for ELC funded provider arrangements provides a robust scrutiny and assessment process to ensure quality ELC provision and funded providers’ commitment to meeting the National Standards in relation to quality of provision, payment of the real Living Wage, quality staffing and staff retention. Providers must have evaluations of good or better on all quality indicators assessed by the care inspectorate. 6.5 ELC settings which fall below the required national standard are placed on a service improvement period with the Council and referred to the care inspectorate’s ELC improvement programme that has been made available for local authority, private and third sector settings which do not currently meet the quality evaluations. 6.6 During session 2024/25 a total of 19 care inspectorate inspections were carried out. Four of the inspections were in local authority establishments and 15 in funded providers settings (this included 1 childminder). Almost all of the local authoity establishments met the requirements of the national standard, achiveving evaluations of 4 and above; with 1 ELC establishment receiving an evaluation below the national standard (adequate) for one quality area. Of the funded providers, 5 out of the 19 settings achieved an evaluation of 4 and above, with the remaining settings having an evaluation below the national standard in one or more quality areas. Graph 5 below illustrates the evaluations for inspections carried out in session 2024/25:
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Graph 5: Care inspectorate – local authority and funded provider settings 6.7 Graph 6 below shows the most recent care inspectorate evaluations in 36 out of 38 local authority establishments, with the exception of Auchenlodment and Mossvale ELC classes who were inspected under the quality themes ‘How Good is Our Care and Support’ inspections carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic. The quality of ELC in our local authority establishments continue to meet the national standard in almost all settings with 97% achieving evaluations of good or better across all quality themes; and over 50% of establishments exceeding with evaluations of very good or better across all key questions. Two local authority ELC establishments (5%) have evaluations which fall below the national standard, across one or more of the quality indicators. Graph 6 – Local authority care inspectorate evaluations: NB: not all establishments were inspected under all of the quality themes (all were inspected on ‘How Good is Our Care, Play and Learning; 10 were inspected against the theme ‘How Good is Our Leadership’; and 15 inspected on the theme ‘How Good is Our Staff Team) 6.8 Most (81.4%) funded providers delivering funded ELC in Renfrewshire also meet and, in some cases, exceed the national standard requirement to achieve evaluations of good or better. 27.3% of settings are exceeding with evaluations of very good or better across all key questions. Graph 7 below illustrates the most recent evaluations for 47 funded provider settings, this is the exception of 1 setting which had a Covid-19 inspection. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% How Good is Our Care, Play & Learning How Good is our Setting? How Good is our Leadership? How Good is our Staff Team? Care Inspectorate Grades - Session 24/25 Inspections Excellent Very Good Good Adequate Weak Unsatisfactory 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% 120.0% How Good is Our Care, Play & Learning How Good is our Setting? How Good is our Leadership? How Good is our Staff Team? Care Inspectorate Grades in Renfrewshire Local Authority ELC Settings - February 2019 to April 2025 Excellent Very Good Good Adequate Weak
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Graph 7 – Funded provider care inspectorate evaluations NB: not all establishments were inspected under all of the quality themes (all were inspected on ‘How Good is Our Care, Play and Learning; 41 against ‘How Good is Our Setting’ and ‘How Good is Our Leadership’; and 46 inspected on the theme ‘How Good is Our Staff Team) 6.9 There are currently 10 funded providers on a service improvement periods due to their inspection grade being less than a ‘good’ evaluation and therefore not meeting the national standard across all quality indicators. Each of these settings are being supported by officers from children’s services and all who received a place on the care inspectorate’s ELC improvement programme have engaged in this process. 6.10 In terms of HMIe inspections, 11 ELC settings (6 local authority – 1 ELC centre /5 classes - and 5 funded providers) have had an Education Scotland inspected post covid, with the first inspection taking place in October 2022. 7 of the 11 settings had a short model inspection, where the inspection only focued on 2 qualtiy indicators instead of 4. The remaining 4 were inspected on all 4 quality indicators, the full model of inspection. Of the 11 inspections, 5 settings were inspected during session 2024/25 and almost all received evaluations of ‘good’ for the quality indicators inspected, with one funded provider setting receiving a satisfactory grade in one of the quality indicators, which is below the national standard. Graph 8 provides an overview the inspection evaluations in settings since August 2022, when inspections recommenced post Covid-19. Graph 8: Education Scotland inspections (HMIe) evaluations 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% How Good is Our Care, Play & Learning How Good is our Setting? How Good is our Leadership? How Good is our Staff Team? Care Inspectorate Grades in Funded Provider ELC Settings - February 2019 to April 2025 Excellent Very Good Good Adequate Weak 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Leadership of Change Learning, Teaching & Assessment Ensuring Wellbeing, Equality & Inclusion Securing Childrens Progress Education Scotland Inspections - Local Authority & Funded Provider (Dec 2022 - Aug 2025) Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Weak
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6.11 All ELC settings track children’s developmental progress throughout their learning journey and report on children’s progress towards the early level of curriculum for excellence using the Council’s progression tool kit. Key milestone data is reported centrally in May of each year for those children transitioning onto primary school, this is to support in the continuation of their learning. 6.12 Data reported in May 2025 indicates an increase in literacy and health and well- being from the previous year in the number of children demonstrating skills and knowledge on a consistent basis, rising from 69.5% to 71.5% and 74.3% to 76.9% respectively. In terms of numeracy, the data shows a marginal decrease in the numbers of children demonstrating consistently from 61.1% to 60.6%. 6.13 May 2025 was the third session that the progression tool data has been gathered centrally. Ongoing moderation and central support is helping to increase the consistency and rigour of the data. The data continues to be used by heads of establishment and officers at children’s services to identify and address any possible gaps in curriculum provision, staff skill, and professional learning requirements. Career long professional learning (CLPL) opportunities during session 2024/25 included a focus on literacy, numeracy and health and well-being, with a specific focus on talk for writing and SEAL Maths. Workforce 6.14 The qualtity of staff teams in the local authority ELC establishments continues to be a strength, with almost all (97%) of those inspected having evaluations of very good or better from the care inspectorate for this quality theme. The national percentage for services inspected under this theme, based on inspection data up to 31 March 2025, is 94.2%. The quality of leadership is evaluated as very good or better in 96% of local authority ELC establishments compared to a national figure of 91.1%. 6.15 The stability of recruitment and retention of staffing in the private, voluntary and independent sectors continues to be a challenge for some providers since the ELC expansion to 1140 hours. 52% of funded provider settings are meeting or exceeding with evaluations of very good or better in the key theme ‘how good is our staff team, (with evaluations of 26% each for evaluations of very good and good). Similarily 50% of funded providers are in receipt of care inspectorate evaluations of good or better for the quality of leadership with 25% graded very good in this theme. 6.16 Since the 1140 expansion and throughout session 2024-25 the council has continued to offer a wide range of high qualtiy online and in-person CLPL events for ELC practitioners and leaders across local authority and funded provider settings to support the Council’s commitment to ensuring high quality ELC provision across Renfrewshire. A varied programme of CLPL continues to be provided to support staff at all levels, including opportunities for current and aspiring leaders, seniors and middle leaders. The CLPL programme continues to ensure a focus on nurturing relationships, effective curriculum delivery, the provision of high quality learning environments, outdoor learning, quality improvement and leadership. The provision of on-line sessions is helping to address challenges in releasing staff to attend professional learning and enabling full staff teams to attend collectively resulting in rich professional dialogue and a shared understanding.
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6.17 In addition to the CLPL programme the Council continues to provide funded support for leaders and practitioners to access certificated training such as degree and entry qualifications to enable them to meet Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration requirements. 6.18 The programme of CLPL continues to be delivered by skilled and trained officers from within the Council and through partnership working with universities, including Strathclyde, Glasgow and Edinburgh and through the support of independent training consultants. The Council has also worked jointly with the West Partnership to support our CLPL programme. This included working with Edinburgh University, to access high quality professional learning linked to current research, policy and theory underpinned by the principles of Friedrich Froebel. Since 2021 a significant number of early years practitioners and leaders from across local authority and funded provider settings participated in this professional learning opportunity. ________________________________________________________________ 7. Sustainable Rate 7.1 Included in the national standard is a requirement for funded providers to be financially sustainable and to pay those staff delivering funded ELC the real Living Wage, with the aim of supporting recruitment and retention of staff, professional learning and investment in their services. 7.2 The rate paid for the provision of the statutory entitlement to ELC is known as the sustainable rate. Each local authority is responsible for setting their own rate and national guidance produced by COSLA and the Scottish Government supports local authorities with this exercise. 7.3 In February 2025, the Scottish Government produced updated guidance jointly with COSLA. This guidance was accompanied with an agreement for a minimum fixed uplift of 3.75% to all 2024-25 rates to reflect the estimated increase in the average staff cost element of the sustainable rate required to meet the real Living Wage uplift from April 2025. 7.4 On the 15 May 2025, the Education and Children’s Service Policy Board approved an uplift from the 1 April 2025 in the rate paid to funded providers, from £6.45 to £6.74 per hour, for an eligible child aged 3 to 5 years and from £8.50 to £8.88 per hour, for an eligible 2-year-old. The increase is linked to a commitment by funded providers to pay their ELC staff providing direct care to children who are receiving funded hours with a minimum of £12.60 per hour from 1 April 2025. 7.5 In addition to the sustainable rate funded providers continue to receive £3 per meal for any eligible child in accordance with the 1140 hours of ELC entitlement and £0.58 for each child, per session, as part of the Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme. 7.6 It is expected that further national guidance on rate setting from 2026-27 onwards will be published in early 2026, this will be based on the outputs from a national cost collection exercise of ELC in funded provider settings. A further report will be presented to the Education and Children’s Service’s Policy Board regarding proposed rates from this period onwards.
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__________________________________________________________________ 8 Conclusion 8.1 The 1140 hours policy continues to be successfully implemented in Renfrewshire, with evidence gathered highlighting continuous improvement in terms of quality, flexibility, accessibility and affordability which allows our youngest children to thrive as is indicated in the very positive inspections the service receives. 8.2 Through routine monitoring of uptake and demand for ELC places the Council is continuing to ensure efficiency whilst maintaining sufficient ELC provision for all eligible children and for those in need. The service is continuing to review population projections as well as historic data to establish levels of future demand across Renfrewshire. If required, a further report will be presented to the Education and Children’s Services Policy board on any proposals for changes to Council provision. 8.3 There is a strong commitment and capacity for continuous improvement and to continue to achieve positive outcomes for our children. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of this report 1. Financial The Scottish Government provided additional funding to local authorities to support the expansion to 1140 hours from the previous entitlement of 600 hours. Until financial year 2024-25 the expansion to 1140 hours was provided through a specific revenue grant allocation and distributed using a needs-based distribution methodology previously agreed by Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders. From 2024-25, the ring-fencing has now been removed and the full funding for ELC is included within the overall General Revenue Grant. No additional funding has been received to support the change in legislation for deferred entry to primary school and the entitlement to an additional year of funded ELC. Children’s Services will continue to deliver ELC through efficient models of delivery within each establishment. The deployment of staff across settings will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure the service is being delivered efficiently, whilst ensuring continued regulatory compliance. 2. HR and Organisational Development None within the current report although any future proposals may require organisational change. 3. Community/Council Planning Our Renfrewshire is thriving - Ensuring the best start in life for children and young people. Our Renfrewshire is well - Early intervention will lead to healthier outcomes for children and young people.
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Our Renfrewshire is fair - The engagement process is designed to ensure everyone can give their views and have them heard. Our Renfrewshire is safe. - Local services will continue to lead to healthier outcomes for children and young people. Reshaping our place, our economy, and our future - The engagement process informs the redesign of ELC provision. Building strong, safe, and resilient communities - The quality of community lives is enhanced by supporting parents, children, and young people. Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all - Placements will continue to be allocated in line with policy. Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy - Support to families through a range of flexible and accessible places will support parents into and sustain employment, training or enter education. Working together to improve outcomes - Ensuring children have a high quality ELC experience. 4. Legal No changes directly from this report. 5. Property/Assets None 6. Information Technology None 7. Equality and Human Rights A review of impact on equalities and human rights will be conducted to inform future proposals and implementation as required. 8. Health & Safety None at present 9. Procurement None directly arising out of this report. 10. Risk None directly arising out of this report. 11. Privacy Impact None 12. Climate Risk None
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13. Children’s Rights This links to article 29, children’s right to an education which must develop every child’s personality, talent and abilities to the full. 14. COSLA Policy Position Revised funding arrangements for ELC provision were agreed by COSLA and the Scottish Government. List of Background Papers i. Early Learning and Childcare Provision – Service Redesign, Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, 16 January 2025. ii. Early Learning and Childcare Consultation – 2023, Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, 14 March 2024. __________________________________________________________________ Children’s Services KMcD/GMcL/JO’N 7 October 2025 Author: Kathleen McDonagh, Education Manager, 07799034553 kathleen.mcdonagh@renfrewshire.gov.uk,
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Early Learning and Childcare Provision Appendix 1 Renfrewshire Council Local Area Admission Panel Groupings Establishment Current Model Proposed Model Panel 1 – Howwood, Johnstone, Lochwinnoch Local Authority Auchenlodment ELC Class Lochwinnoch ELC Class St Margaret’s ELC Class Spateston ELC Centre West Johnstone ELC Centre Funded Providers Mid Gavin Nursery Stepping Stones Gleniffer Nursery*Sharon's Tiny Tots Childminding School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 2 Erskine, Bishopton, Inchinnan, Langbank Local Authority Dargavel ELC Centre St Anne’s ELC Class St John Bosco ELC Class Funded Provider Bright Starts Nursery Cairellot Day Nursery Carli’s Kindergarten (Erskine) Happitots Erskine Erskine Community Nursery – Bargarran Erskine Community Nursery – St Anne’s Inchinnan Community Nursery Little Pandas Carole McLauchlan Catherine Whyte Karen Finnie Kelly Rix Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 3 Renfrew, Hillington Local Authority Glendee ELC Centre Kirklandneuk ELC Centre Moorpark ELC Centre Funded Provider 3 Bears Nursery Little Flowers Nursery Little Stars Hillington Bright Horizons In Safe Hands Nursery Puddle Lane Catherine Young Claire Crawford Karen Chalmers Kerry Goudie Little Rabbit Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year
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Panel 4 - Houston, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, Weirs Wynd, Kilbarchan. Local Authority Houston ELC Class Bridge of Weir ELC Class Funded Providers Abbey Nursery (Houston) Kilbarchan Community Nursery Rivendale Nursery Gryffe Manor Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 5 - Linwood, Brooklands Local Authority Our Lady of Peace ELC Class East Fulton ELC Class Funded Providers Linwood Community Childcare Carli’s Kindergarten (Linwood) Elaine Parkhill Childminding School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 6 - Foxbar, Glenburn, Brediland, Meikleriggs Local Authority Bushes ELC Class St Peter’s ELC Class Heriot ELC Class Foxlea ELC Centre Glenburn ELC Centre Glenfield ELC Centre Funded Provider Carriagehill Nursery - Green Road School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 7 - Paisley West 1, Elderslie, Baronscroft, Castlehead, Westend Local Authority Hugh Smiley ELC Centre St Mary’s ELC Class West ELC Class Wallace ELC Class Funded Providers Abbey Nursery (Paisley) Maxwellton Park Nursery School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Panel 8 - Paisley West 2, Ferguslie, Shortroods, Phoenix Park Local Authority Hillview ELC Centre Douglas Street ELC Centre Ferguslie ELC Centre Mossvale ELC Class Funded Providers Glencoats Lodge Nursery Happitots Nursery (Glasgow Airport) Rainbow Nursery Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year
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Panel 9 - Paisley Central 1, Charleston, Hawkhead, Hunterhill, Lochfield, Paisley South, Todholm Local Authority St Charles’ ELC Class Todholm ELC Class Lochfield ELC Centre Paisley ELC Centre Funded Providers Carriagehill Drive Nursery Jennyswell Nursery Nursery Times Orchard Grove Nursery School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 10 - Paisley Central 2, Gallowhill, Paisley North, Ralston, Seedhill. Local Authority Gallowhill ELC Class Ralston ELC Class St Catherine’s ELC Class Williamsburgh ELC Class Funded Providers Abbeymill Childcare Leaps & Bounds Nursery Little Learners School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Renfrewshire Council Area Local Authority Riverbrae ELC Centre Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year