Nursery contracts awarded by council

The local authority provides 600 hours of early learning and childcare for children aged three and four, either at a council-run nursery or those independently contracted to provide places.

A spokesperson said: “Parents can list their preferred choice of nursery when applying for a nursery place for their child.”

Earlier this year, the council invited tenders from nurseries to offer pre-school places from August for two years, with an option to extend for a further year.

The spokesperson added: “The successful nurseries have to meet a number of standards in order to qualify for funding, including the provision of high quality early learning and childcare, as well as child protection and health and safety policies.

“The services are registered with the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland. The council is also required to follow a legal process in relation to the procurement for the nursery places.

“A number of nurseries, who previously provided places on behalf of the council, were not awarded a contract following this process.”

He said the council’s Early Years and Childcare Team will work with parents to explore the options available.

Councillor Eric Gotts, convener of the council’s Education Committee, said: “The council has a range of partner and council nurseries available in each area offering flexibility and choice for parents.

“All play a key role in ensuring parents have the opportunity to send their pre-school child to a registered nursery where they will receive a quality service.

“We have a legal obligation and a duty of care to the children and parents. A robust process is in place for awarding these contracts that we 
apply to all tenderers.”

For more information, visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk