New rates for early learning and childcare providers agreed

Nursery and childcare providers across the region are set to benefit from a new hourly rate for Early Learning and Childcare. At the meeting of Education and Learning committee earlier this week (20 September), Councillors approved an increase in the rate paid to providers.

In Dumfries and Galloway, funding is provided to local authority and private providers for Early Learning and Childcare for three and four year olds and for eligible two year olds.

This rate has been increased annually using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate from the previous November and the new rate is normally set for the period April 2022-March 2023. However, due to the increasing financial pressures on the sector because of the increase to the Real Living Wage, higher inflation, and increasing energy costs, it was agreed to backdate the increase to 1 January 2022.

Council officers have met with providers to talk them through the proposed new rates for Early Learning and Childcare.

At the committee meeting this week, Councillors approved a new increase in the rate from £5.53 to £5.71 for three and four year olds. The new rate for eligible two year olds is proposed at £6.73.

In addition, a new rate for the provision of meals was also agreed, increasing from £1.77 to £3 per day.

Councillor Richard Brodie, chair of the Education and Learning committee, said: “The increases in cost of living, food, energy and inflation are having an impact on the pre-school private sector so it is important that we recognise the impact of these costs and take action to support all our learning providers. This is essential if we are to provide the best start in life for all children, which is a priority for our Council. To meet our commitment to provide 1140 hours of early learning and childcare for our children, we need to ensure that our private and local authority providers are receiving appropriate rates of funding for the services they provide to local families and we must ensure that all employees receive proper remuneration for their important work.”

Councillor George Jamieson, vice chair, said: “Our council is committed to providing flexible, high-quality early learning and childcare that is accessible, affordable, and integrated with school and out-of-school care. This will improve outcomes for children, especially the vulnerable or disadvantaged, and help to close the attainment gap. It is very important to the Council that that we understand the challenges that are facing our providers, through consultation and discussion, helping us respond to support them so that they continue to provide quality early learning and childcare for children.