Early learning and childcare

The term early learning and childcare was introduced in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.

'Early learning and childcare is defined as service, consisting of education and care, of a kind which is suitable in the ordinary case for children who are under school age, regard being had to the importance of interactions and other experiences which support learning and development in a caring and nurturing setting'.

Early Learning and Childcare: Statutory Guidance

Early learning and childcare covers everything that a child experiences at their early learning and childcare setting. It is intended to emphasise that:

• the care and education of very young children are not two separate things, but should be indivisible and seamless
• learning should be continuous and start from birth.

The guidance has nine sections which each deal with an important aspect of early learning and childcare.

• Section 1: Why do we need this?
• Section 2: What we know from policy and research
• Section 3: What makes the difference for children and families?
• Section 4: What do we mean by play and learning?
• Section 5: Understanding attachment
• Section 6: Early learning and childcare - what do children need?
• Section 7: Putting pedagogy into practice
• Section 8: What are the key elements of a quality setting?
• Section 9: Conclusion