Guide to early learning and childcare

Our Guide to Early Learning and Childcare sets out the Council’s Policy for the allocation of early learning and childcare places.

This is currently being updated for the academic year 2023/24 and will be available week beginning 27 February 2023.

When to register

Registration for academic year 2023/24 for all early childhood centres, funded ELC providers and approved childminders on the Council Contract Framework in East Ayrshire will take place online from Monday 27 February until Sunday 12 March 2023.

How to apply

Please use the link below to apply for an early learning and childcare place. You will require to  register for a customer account to complete the online registration form:

https://our.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/AchieveForms/?mode=fill&consentMessage=yes&form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Process-cdabf0ec-bd67-47bb-90a4-ef93bfa73d1b/AF-Stage-77556d72-5564-40e3-830d-a71f1689a9b9/definition.json&process=1&process_uri=sandbox-processes://AF-Process-cdabf0ec-bd67-47bb-90a4-ef93bfa73d1b&process_id=AF-Process-cdabf0ec-bd67-47bb-90a4-ef93bfa73d1b

To complete the online registration you will require to upload:

• a copy of your child’s full birth certificate
• two proofs of your residency, for example, Council Tax Notice and utility bill

Should you require a copy of your child’s birth certificate for registration, this can be obtained at Certificates.scot.

You should also identify your second choice of centre and preferred pattern of attendance on the application form as there may be occasions when you cannot access a place in your first choice of centre. Applications which do not indicate a second choice may not be considered.

If you wish to apply for a split session place you will need to make an application for each centre.

To enable appropriate planning to meet all children’s needs, parents and carers should note any issues which affect their child, for example specific dietary, medical or toileting needs on the application form.

Places

All places are allocated in line with the priorities outlined in A Guide to Early Learning and Childcare. For example, first priority is given to children who meet the criteria set out in Priority 1, then Priority 2 and so on.

Every effort will be made to meet your first choice of centre and preferred pattern of attendance, however this will be dependent on the number of places available and the priority given to applications.

Change of preference of place allocated

This online form is for parents or carers whose child has been allocated a place in an Early Childhood Centre (ECC), Funded Provider (FP) centre or with a childminder, and are now seeking a place in a different setting.

https://our.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/AchieveForms/?mode=fill&consentMessage=yes&form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Process-b41e1570-7c50-4011-9fc4-d7ef52d8b00b/AF-Stage-c55fc126-0806-4b53-9f96-f3f46420203b/definition.json&process=1&process_uri=sandbox-processes://AF-Process-b41e1570-7c50-4011-9fc4-d7ef52d8b00b&process_id=AF-Process-b41e1570-7c50-4011-9fc4-d7ef52d8b00b

Please click on the link to access our February newsletter and a copy of the school holidays for session 2022 – 2023.

If you have any questions please contact the Centre.

School-Holidays-2022-2023

February Newsletter

Please see the letter below from our Head Teacher Mr Houston.

ECCupdate

We would be delighted if you could complete the short survey to let us know if you would be interested in attending some stay and play sessions.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oyzTzM4Wj0KVQTctawUZKSEgcplN8KBKjNBIXY3f_WlUNU05UFY5VjVWTUtCSVEzTzBYV1A5Rkk5OS4u

Our Rationale is included below with a link to a very short survey for you to complete if you have the time.

VVA rationale document

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oyzTzM4Wj0KVQTctawUZKSEgcplN8KBKjNBIXY3f_WlUQkFCRTAxSkZOTDlPM09QSVFGWkZQR0NPVS4u

2 Feb Getting down to childs level

Please have a look at the top tip for this month.

Please have a look at our latest newsletter.

january1

jan2

january 3

ECC Exit Procedures Today

Due to staff shortages, our exit procedures have changed for today.  Please enter through the first playroom door. and exit with your child as usual.  This will ensure the security of all children.

Thank you

Changes to Sign in/ Sign out Procedures

As our numbers continue to increase, the corridor at sign in and sign out time is becoming busy at times. To reduce congestion and enhance security procedures we are going to make a few changes to this process.
Please bear with us as we implement these changes to ensure drop off and collection times are as safe and effective as possible.

Changes:
· Sign in/ out sheets will now be located within the Playrooms.
· 08.50 – 09.00 – please place all your child’s belongings at their peg then enter into the playrooms with your child to sign in

· Sunshine Group – Playroom 1 – sign in sheet located at radiator to left of door

· Rainbow Group – Playroom 1 – sign in sheet located on right hand side of the room, in the writing area at mezzanine deck stairs.

· Stars – Playroom 2 – sign in sheet on unit at the right hand side as you enter room

· 2.50 – 3.00 – Please sign out and collect your child from their group area, then collect their belongings from the corridor before leaving the ECC.
· Sign out sheets will be located in the spaces mentioned above.

Please sign your name on the sign in and out sheets so staff can clearly identify who is dropping off and collecting your child.
Key workers will be seated at their group tables at drop off and collection times to welcome and say goodbye to children from their groups.
At times Key Workers may ask you to wait a few moments to sign forms such as sharing information forms or First Aid Logs. We appreciate your patience during these times as we have to ensure all children are leaving the building safely, with their designated adult.

If you wish to have a chat with your child’s Key Worker this is no problem. We would ask that, where possible, you wait until all children have been signed out or speak with Joanne at the door who can arrange an appointment at a time that is convenient for both yourself and the Key Worker.

We appreciate your continued support.