Published 30 May 2025
Children attending Early Learning and Childcare Centres are making steady progress with an increase in the number of children achieving the benchmark in both literacy and numeracy.
A report to the Educational Services Committee shows an 18 percent increase in literacy and a 10 percent rise in numeracy since the data was gathered in December, with the remaining children expected to meet the benchmark by Primary One.
The service robustly monitors attendance in early years to ensure children reach the education benchmark with the average rolling attendance across Council settings at 86.9 percent.
Figures also show parents and carers of 138 pre-school children have chosen to defer starting Primary One this year, a rise of 64 percent increase since 2021-2022.
The service continues to assist new employees working in childcare with the service supporting 25 Modern Apprentices within early learning in Council run centres, with 17 achieving a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 3 and securing jobs within Council Early Years Centres. Currently five Modern Apprentices are working towards their SVQ Level 3.
Figures also show, since 2022, the service has also supported 23 career changes with 18 completing their qualification and five currently working towards achieving their qualification.
Convener of Educational Services, Councillor Clare Steel, said: “It is very encouraging to see the increase in the number of children meeting the benchmark in both literacy and numeracy. This increase is due to the commitment the staff have to the children they look after. I want to thank our dedicated staff at all our centres who are determined to deliver exciting and engaging learning to our youngest residents.”
Vice Convener of Educational Services, Councillor John Millar, said: “I am delighted to see this progress and also that children are on-track to meet the level by the end of Primary One. It is also reassuring to know that while we have seen the highest number of deferrals in five years, our centres have the capacity to accommodate every child whose family want their child to remain in early education for another year.”