Moray Council invites feedback on proposed changes to Early Years Services

Proposed Changes to Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Services

Moray Council wants your views on proposed changes to ELC services as part of the 2025-26 budget planning process.

Key Proposal:

• Change operating hours at Lhanbryde, Linkwood, Pilmuir, and Seafield ELC settings.
• Current: 25 hours per week, 46 weeks a year.
• Proposed: 30 hours per week, 38 weeks a year (9am to 3pm, term-time only).

Feedback can be provided through the dedicated survey HERE, before it closes on 12 February.

Moray Council is seeking views of parents, carers, and families on proposed changes to its Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) services for the 2025-26 budget planning process.

As part of its ongoing budget engagement, the council is reviewing the ELC service provision to ensure it aligns with current demand while meeting financial savings targets.

Following an initial consultation with staff and a review of the ELC service provision, amendments are being proposed to the operating hours at four ELC settings: Lhanbryde, Linkwood, Pilmuir, and Seafield.

Currently, all four services operate 25 hours per week for 46 weeks a year. The proposal would increase this to 30 hours per week for 38 weeks a year, operating from 9am to 3pm, in line with the primary school schedule. This change is based on historical attendance patterns, which show significantly lower attendance during holiday periods. The adjustment is expected to generate savings of £260,000.

To align with the revised service model, nursery managers’ contracts would be adjusted to a 47-week working year, in line with other council ELC facilities, saving an additional £23,000.

Workforce implications for other employees are under review, with any changes managed through natural turnover, contractual adjustments, or formal consultation in line with the council’s change management policy.

In addition to operational changes, the council proposes restructuring the ELC teaching team to enhance quality improvement and inspection outcomes. This includes replacing the current 7.4 full-time equivalent teachers with two Early Intervention Teachers and two Continuous Improvement Officers, delivering savings of £200,000.

Feedback can be provided through the dedicated survey online before it closes on 12 February.

Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “We understand the importance of high-quality early years services to our families, and these proposed changes aim to meet current parental preferences while ensuring services remain financially sustainable. By streamlining hours and revising staffing structures, we can continue to provide high quality childcare while achieving necessary savings.

“I encourage all parents, carers, and families to take part in this consultation and share their views on the proposed changes. Your feedback is vital to shaping the future of our ELC service.”