Update now provided on nursery hours within North Lanarkshire Council

Last week the authority admitted that it was not in a position to deliver the Scottish Government’s policy of providing 1140 hours of nursery or childcare when the session began in August.

They explained that lockdown put a stop to it – with the necessary construction and updating of buildings grinding to a halt with staff recruitment affected too .

Now the council has issued a statement which sheds further light on the timescale for the Holyrood blueprint.

And it has emerged that some aspects of the plan could start when so-called Phase 3 of the Scotland’s route map kicks in.

Councillor Frank McNally, convener of Education and Families, said: “We fully intend to switch on the 1140 hours programme as soon as our facilities are ready, staff recruitment has been finalised and all facilities are complying with the latest guidance from the Scottish Government.

“We know how important the 1140 hours programme it is for everyone involved. And we have a clear plan in place which is set out in clear stages.

“These are extremely challenging times for everyone concerned and the pandemic has understandably frustrated some of our plans to have the programme ready for August.

“However, we remain committed to delivering the 1140 hours programme as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.”

Key workers can be also be reassured that they will continue to receive 1140 hours in August.

The roll out of lunch provision for eligible children will continue in August 2020 and all funding providers will continue to receive lunches or payments (previous arrangements will apply) for all eligible children on the days they attend.

Once all eligible children return to their sessions in August nursery, centre or childminders will confirm the increase in hours to parents and carers.

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