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Moray parents in can now check their eligibility for increased early learning and childcare by postcode.

A new search tool on the council’s website means parents can see at a glance when they will be eligible for the extra childcare benefit.

The Scottish Government has committed to providing increased, fully funded early learning and childcare – up from the current 600 hours paid care a year to 1,140 hours.

Moray Council is phasing in the increase in the funded hours in three waves – the first starting in August 2018 – to ensure a sustainable and practical delivery of the early learning changes required by 2020.

Until they become eligible for the 1,140 hours by August 2020, parents are still entitled to 600 funded hours a year for three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds, but with the enhanced flexibility that the expansion is bringing to local authority nurseries.

Moray Council is adopting a flexible approach to early learning and childcare (ELC) delivery by opening council nurseries all year round and for longer hours where there is a demand for it by parents.

Parents can check their postcode under “Eligibility for increased ELC provision”: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_116586.html where they will also find details of nurseries in their locality.