Early Learning and Childcare - Statutory Consultation
This short questionnaire is aimed at gathering the views of parents/carers whose children will access ELC provision in the future and those currently accessing funded ELC provision.
Falkirk council delivers funded ELC provision to families in school nurseries, Council-run ELC extended day/year centres: and, through partner private nurseries and partner childminders.
All 3 and 4 year olds, and eligible 2 year olds, can access up to 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare, depending on when their birth dates are. That usually equates to 30 hours a week during school term-time, or around 23 hours a week across a whole year.
The Survey will also gather views on non-funded childcare.
This survey is composed of 24 questions, over 5 sections, which should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Why Your Views Matter
This survey is to help us identify the needs of local families and to support future planning of ELC Services. It is hoped that gathering views at this time will mean that future ELC services will adequately meet the needs of most people.
The survey is anonymous and your answers will remain confidential.
At the end of the survey you will be asked if you want to give your email address. This is to issue you with acknowledgement of your submission only.
If you have any questions, please email ELC@falkirk.gov.uk
Phases
Results
The results have been collated and analysed - and are broken down per question below.
Many thanks to all the participants who took the time to complete our Statutory Survey.
ELC Statutory Survey Report
22 Jan 24 - 19 April 24
Q1 - Where in Falkirk do you live?
Q3 - Do you have a child under the age of 5 years?
Q4 - Please indicate which statement applies best in your situation?
Q5 - What do you find to be the main benefit of funded early learning and childcare?
Q5 - What do you find to be the main benefit of funded early learning and childcare?
If you chose 'Other' in Q5 - please specify below
Respondents to the 'Early Learning and Childcare - Statutory Consultation' project have expressed a variety of concerns and suggestions. A recurring theme is the need for better education within nursery settings, with some respondents highlighting the importance of funded hours not only for children's learning but also for supporting family financial health by enabling parents to work.
However, there are also comments indicating that the current hours do not align well with typical job hours, making it difficult for parents to find suitable employment.
Additionally, some respondents have mentioned that they do not receive funded early learning, which suggests gaps in the provision or awareness of available support.
The feedback indicates a need for improvements in the system to better support children's wellbeing and development, as well as to assist parents in balancing work and family responsibilities.
Q6 - What is most important to you when choosing a nursery for your child?
If you answered Other in Q6 - please specifiy below
Respondents to the 'Early Learning and Childcare - Statutory Consultation' project emphasized the importance of quality and level of care in their decision-making process. Many highlighted the need for a nurturing environment, staff interaction, and the overall experience their child would receive.
Educational experience and the ability of the setting to support their child's needs were also frequently mentioned.
Several respondents pointed out specific factors such as safety track record, reputation
Inclusive practices and care inspectorate reviews
The environment of the nursery, including outdoor access and small child-to-staff ratios were also considered important. Proximity to home and the attachment to the primary school were other significant considerations, with some respondents preferring settings that are attached to a primary school, especially if they have other children attending there Operating hours and the possibility of purchasing additional hours were mentioned as well
Overall, while a variety of factors were considered, the emphasis was consistently on the quality and nature of care provided to children in early learning and childcare settings.
Q7a - In which of the following provider types does your child currently receive his / her funded hours?
Q7b - Which of the following provider types would you consider using in the future?
Q7c- Is there any provider types which you would not consider using in the future?
Q8 - The maximum funded entitlement of 1140 hours works out to be around 30 hours per week (school year only) or 23 hours (extended provision) Please indicate how much of your funded entitlement you use?
Q9 - In taking up funded hours, please state your preference
Q10 - Which of these attendance patterns best suits your needs?
If you answered 'Other' in Q10 - please specify below
Respondents are expressing a need for more flexible childcare options that align with working hours and personal circumstances. Many are requesting longer daily sessions that extend beyond the typical 9am-3pm schedule, with some specifying a preference for full-day coverage such as 8am-6pm
There is a trend towards wanting the ability to choose specific hours and days or to have the option to top up funded hours to cover a full working day or week
Some respondents mention the need for year-round provision rather than just term time, to better support working parents
Others suggest that the ability to select childcare hours as they could previously would be more beneficial, as current options force additional costs or do not cover their needs
There is also a call for extended hours before and after core times to assist with work schedules and some respondents are highlighting the lack of support for children under three and working parents, suggesting that private nurseries do not meet the standards of council nurseries
Overall, there is a clear desire for more adaptable childcare solutions that accommodate varying work commitments and family situations, with an emphasis on longer hours and the ability to customize schedules.
Q11 - Which of these yearly attendance patterns best suits your needs?
If you answered 'Other' in Q11 - please specify below.
No responses
Q12 - If it was available, which of the following would you consider purchasing?
Q13 - What hourly rate would you consider paying for wraparound care?
Q14 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with their Inspection Reports
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Dont' Know' below
Q15 - In your childs nursery how satisfied are you with the Qualifications of Staff
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Don't Know' below
Q16 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with how much your child is learning?
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Don't Know' below
Q17 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with how staff interact with your child?
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Don't Know' below
Q18 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with how much individual care and attention your child receives?
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Don't Know' below
Q19 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with their local reputation?
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Don't Know' below
Q20 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with how well the provider keeps you informed and engaged?
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Don't Know' below
Q21 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with the facilities of the setting?
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied
If you are unsure - click 'Don't Know' below
Q22 - In your child's nursery how satisfied are you with the range of different experiences your child gets?
5 - Very Satisfied
1 - Dissatisfied