Early Learning and Childcare: expansion to 1140 hours parent/carer survey

Parents/carers about their experience of early learning and childcare – what services they use and why, how often and when.  We also asked about what they would like to see in the future.

2,209 people responded to the survey, 99% of whom were parents/carers.  As well as telling us about the services they currently use and why, respondents told us how they would prefer to use services in the future: 

• 70% of respondents want to be able to use services all year round whilst 24% want to be able to use them in term-times only.
• Parents/carers want services to be available from early mornings (with 35% preferring an 8am start) to early evening (with 32% preferring a 6pm finish)
• The most popular model (favoured by 38% of respondents) is for 50 weeks per year with parents/carers able to choose hours between 8am and 6pm and with the option to purchase additional hours..

The responses informed the Early Years Expansion plan which was prepared in response to the Scottish Government’s blueprint for the expansion of 1140 hours. The plan was submitted to the Scottish Government and we are currently revising it in light of feedback from the Scottish Government.

We will continue to seek the views of parents and carers throughout the expansion.