Dear parent/carer,

As you will be aware from previous communications, North Lanarkshire Council is fully committed to delivering 1140 hours of early learning and childcare to children and families by the end of September 2020.

This is in line with the planned national expansion programme for early learning and childcare, and follows on from our own phasing arrangements, which has substantially switched on the 1140 hours provision throughout the area last year.

As you will be aware, for the foreseeable future, as part of the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 recovery rout map, the present national, statutory entitlement for children is 600 hours per session. However, North Lanarkshire Council understands how important the expansion of this provision is to our communities and recognises the significant benefits to families receiving these additional hours, as well as to our local economy.

It should also be noted that we are one of only very few large councils across the country to have taken this important step of delivering the 1140 hours of childcare as part of the recovery programme.

In light of this, it is my great pleasure to confirm that Woodlands Primary School Nursery Clas is delighted to be in a position to offer your child the following place from Tuesday 29th of September.

Days Times Weeks
Monday to Friday 8.55am until 3.00pm Term Time

We are all very aware of the current circumstances and the daily challenges from COVID-19 and we hope you will understand the need to put contingency arrangements in place, should the facility be affected. This may include individuals or groups having to self-isolate for a period or to follow advice from NHS Lanarkshire which delivers the national Test and Protect programme.

The arrangements take into account that we may face challenges should a number of staff require to self-isolate and are therefore not available to work. In the event of this happening, we will ensure that families continue to receive the statutory entitlement of 600hrs, but will endeavour to continue to offer 1140hrs to parents and carers with essential childcare needs until we are in a position to return to normal service delivery of 1140hrs at the earliest point.

It is vitally important we continue to work in close partnership and to provide an approach that best supports the needs of all our children and families. We value your continuous support.

Kindest regards,

Nicola Ferguson
Head Teacher