CHILDCARE expansion trials are taking place throughout Scotland with East Ayrshire chosen as one of just 11 locations.
Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said the pilot scheme will involve a blend of different types of childcare.
This will include co-locating early learning and childcare services as well as out-of-school care and making additional hours available through local childminders. 
Janie Allen, Strategic Education Manager at East Ayrshire Council, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to participate in the next round of childcare trials. We have a large and vibrant childminding sector in East Ayrshire -with around 200 registered childminders - and well established protocols for placing vulnerable young children with specially trained and assessed community Childminders. 
“Recent consultation indicates parents are keen for their children to access establishment based sessional early learning and childcare and for this to be supplemented with home-based care where this is needed for work, training or education purposes. 
“This trial aims to expand the existing referral model to provide blended early learning and childcare options and will provide an opportunity to develop partnership working with the broader childminding community.” 
The trials, which will be supported by around £827,000 Scottish Government funding, are scheduled to start in the summer.
Mr McDonald added: “By giving Scotland’s young people the best possible start in life we can ensure they develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential. 
“Parents and carers also benefit.”
 from a high quality, flexible system of early learning and childcare as it helps to support routes in to work, training or further study which may not have previously been accessible. 
“That is why this government is committed to almost doubling the free entitlement to 1,140 hours per year by 2,020, while delivering the flexibility families need. By piloting different delivery models in partnership with local authorities we will be better able to understand what parents and children need and want.”