Early Education & Childcare Plan
2001 – 2004

Pre-school Education for all three and four year olds.
Early years provision as follows:

• Parents will be able to go out to work and know that their children are being well-looked after;
• All those looking after children will be able to get the help they need to do a good job;
• Parents who want to get jobs working with children will be able to get the right training;
• Parents who are working or studying will be able to afford the childcare which meets their needs;
• More childcare places will be available for older children;
• Parents will know where to go to get information and advice about childcare.

Childcare 0-14 years
The Scottish Childcare strategy aims to promote good quality, affordable childcare for children aged 0-14 years in every neighbourhood.

This includes formal childcare such as playgroups, out of school clubs and childminders.

It also includes support for unregistered childcare that includes relatives or friends looking after children.

Out of school hours care services in South Ayrshire are, in general provided by parent-managed committees, private nurseries, playgroups, play schemes and childminders.

Rural Issues
Traditional project-based services for 0-14 years can be difficult to establish and maintain, therefore sustainable rural services must be highly flexible and closely focused on local needs.

Achievement and Attainment
To raise standards of educational attainment for all in schools, especially in the core skills of literacy and numeracy, and to achieve better levels in national measures of achievement including examination results;

Framework for Learning
To support the skills of teachers, the self-discipline of pupils and to enhance school environments so that they are conductive to learning and teaching;

Inclusion and Equality
To promote equality and help every pupil benefit from education, with particular regard paid to pupils with disabilities and special educational needs, and to Gaelic and other lesser used languages;

Values and Citizenship
To work with parents to teach pupils respect for self and one another and their interdependence with other members of their neighbourhood and society and to teach them the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society;

Learning for life
To equip pupils with the foundation skills, attributes and expectations necessary to prosper in a changing society and to encourage creativity and ambition.

The current departmental service plan runs until 2002. A 3-year service plan will guide the work of the department from 2002-5.