We have been receiving enquiries from members in different parts of the country about the above.
To our understanding:
- individual local authorities will continue to be responsible for setting their local sustainable rates for partner providers delivering funded ELC in their areas for the next financial year (and in future years) in line with their established processes;
- the Scottish Government has also advised SCMA that an update (and new guidance) will be provided to the sector before the end of March 2024 on their commitment to ensuring all partner providers (including childminders) are paid a minimum of £12 per hour while delivering funded ELC from 1 April 2024, and how the additional £16m which will be provided to local authorities will be used in order to support this commitment.
We will provide an update as soon as we have any further information.