1140 Hours… What does it mean?

A nationwide public information campaign is encouraging families to enrol their children for funded early learning and childcare ahead of a major expansion this summer. Backed by an unprecedented £2 billion investment, the increase in funded hours to 1140 makes it the most generous offer in the U.K. and has required significant recruitment and infrastructure - more than 270 nurseries have been built, extended or refurbished since March 2018 and an additional 4,300 full time equivalent staff are already in post.

Due to the phasing in of the increased entitlement, almost 50,000 children are already benefiting from more than the current 600 hours they are entitled to, allowing parents and carers to explore work, education and training opportunities.

Nicole Shearer, from the Shetland Isles is mother to Jack (nine years old) and Mayson (three years old). Before she took part in a pilot initiative at Cunningsburgh Nursery to access 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare, mum Nicole was struggling to find the time to work or study for her degree. Her son Mayson is now able to attend nursery for 28 hours a week, up from 10 hours a week, which gives Nicole time to take on a new job that offers more hours and benefits: and allows her to spend more time focusing on her degree. “I started using the early learning and childcare entitlement in its entirety following the October holidays, when Mayson was 3 years old. I had been offered a new job that offered more hours than my previous role and I was able to take it on because the increased entitlement allowed me to put Mayson into nursery for the hours I was working.”

Nicole has also noticed a big difference in Mayson’s social skills during his fulltime attendance at nursery.

“When he first started nursery, he wasn’t the most sociable, often choosing to play by himself. His speech wasn’t great either and he struggled to complete full sentences. Fast forward a couple of months, his development has been amazing. I’m able to have full conversations with him and learn what he’s done at nursery each day. He’s come on leaps and bounds. Mayson loves going to nursery. He totally thrives in the environment.”

Children’s Minister Maree Todd said:

“If you’ve got a child who will be two, three or four, now is the time to see what they could receive from this August.

“Tens of thousands of children are already benefiting from high-quality ELC, and I’ve heard first-hand how it’s helped to boost their confidence and communication skills and given them access to more opportunities such as outdoor learning.

“I’ve also heard how it has made an enormous difference to families – relieving pressure and enabling mums and dads to get back into, or spend more time, studying, working or training.

“I would encourage all parents with eligible children to get in touch with their local authority to identify the funded option that is best for their child from the great choices available and find out when to apply.

“There is no cost to families who take up this offer so the 1,140 hours can save each family as much as £4,500, and we hope that this campaign will let as many families as possible know what they are entitled to.”

See: https://www.parentclub.scot/ articles/whats-your-child-entitled

All funded providers will be required to meet strict quality criteria as part of the new National Standard, including achieving good or better Care Inspectorate quality evaluations, and will also be required to carry out continuous professional development.

1140 Hours: TOP 5 Q&As

What are the top five questions from parents about the new 1140 hours of free childcare? We asked the owner of Little Stars Group, Kevin Gilmartin, who has been in the childcare sector for over 21 years and has nurseries in Alloa, Falkirk, Stirling, Govan and Hillington.

Q) Who is entitled to 1140 hours free childcare per annum?

A) From August 2020, all 3 & 4 year olds, and around a quarter of 2 year olds (check with your local Council for full details). Q ) Can the free hours be split over two nurseries?

A). Yes: you can use them all at one nursery or split between two. You can even choose a childminder if they are in partnership. Q ) How many free hours per week does the 1140 hours equate to?

A ) 30 hours per week term time or 22 hours per week if you spread it throughout the year. Q) Can you forward free hours that you haven’t used in a week to the following week? A) No. Q) How do I apply?

A) If your child is already at a nursery, talk to them. If not, contact your local Council Early Years Officer.

Little Stars Nurseries have been providing childcare and early education for children from birth to age five for more than two decades. They are committed to providing the best possible experiences for both children and families. littlestarsnurseries.net 01786 445 552