In order to ensure that the funded early learning and childcare entitlement is delivered in high quality settings the Scottish Government will introduce a new, and more progressive, service model in 2020. This will be built on a Funding Follows the Child approach, a key aspect of which will be a ‘National Standard’ that all providers wishing to deliver the funded entitlement will have to meet.
The Scottish Government, COSLA and local authorities have worked in partnership, through a Service Models Working Group, to develop the details of this new model. This has included engagement with providers and key stakeholders since October 2017 so that we can ensure that this new model works for everyone in the sector and helps to improve the early learning and childcare experience for our young children.
This paper sets out the Funding Follows the Child approach and seeks views on the proposed National Standard that underpins it. The National Standard sets out the clear and consistent criteria that all providers who wish to deliver the funded entitlement will have to meet from 2020.
The introduction of this new approach represents a substantial change for the early learning and childcare sector in Scotland.
We want to ensure that everyone in the sector, including families, can provide their views on the new model. We want to hear these views and that is why we are now consulting jointly with COSLA on the proposed National Standard.
Cambusbarron Village Nursery 