Council launches survey on childcare provision

A CONSULTATION on improving local childcare provision has been launched by Shetland Islands Council (SIC).

The survey, which is open for responses from today (Tuesday), asks parents and carers about their experiences of using early learning and childcare provision and the quality of care and support provided.

In Shetland, all three and four year olds, and some two year olds, are eligible for up to 1,140 hours per year of free early learning and childcare, known as funded placements.

The survey includes questions across three main categories:

• for parents and carers in Shetland who have a child currently receiving a funded early learning and childcare placement
• for those with a younger child aged up to two years old
• and for those with a child of school age. It aims to gather views on the current provision, barriers to accessing childcare, the needs of families and any potential future expansion of childcare.

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It also seeks to understand what is working well and where improvements could be made to ensure high provision for all children.

The survey link can be found here, with the deadline for responses on Monday 6 July.

Councillor Catherine Hughson, who is the vice-chairwoman of the council’s education and families committee, said the SIC knew that access to high quality childcare was important for families and parents.

“Through this survey, we want to hear views that will help us better understand both the current level and quality of provision, and what could be improved in future – including identifying any gaps and tackling barriers to accessing childcare,” she said.

“I’d urge parents and carers with children to give us their thoughts so that we can continue to improve and develop high quality childcare options locally.”