Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 3 April 2000 For Use: Immediately

The Western Isles is leading the way in Scotland in developing childcare initiatives and is providing a model which other local authorities are looking at.

Cllr. Mairi Bremner, Chairman of Social Work on Comhairle nan EIlean Siar, recently gave a presentation to Argyll and Bute Council at their invitation on the success of the Childcare Partnership in the Western Isles. This followed a presentation to the Early Education and Childcare Department of the Scottish Executive which has also shown interest in childcare developments in the islands.

The Western Isles Childcare Partnership was formed in January 1999 and since then there has has been a series of improvements in Childcare provision. The success story includes the formation of 2 new out of school clubs funded from the New Opportunities Fund, a trebling of enquiries for registration of childminders, proposals for healthy living centres in the Uists, rural Lewis and Harris and Stornoway which will include parent and toddler facilities, increased pre-school provision for 3-5 year olds, hoilday playschemes, 2 toy libraries, increased training opportunitites for childminders and regular forums for childcare providers. These forums, held in Leverburgh, Benbecula and Stornoway have proved to be remarkably successful and well attended. Video links have also been provided to Barra and Lews Castle College.

In addition, last January the Childcare Partnership launched a Childcare Information Service. This service provides information via the telephone and internet of all childcare providers and toy libraries throughout the whole of the Western Isles. The service provides a valuable tool for parents wishing to know what facilities and services are available in their area. Posters and leaflets were distributed to all Post offices, libraries, schools, Health Centres, playgroups and Croileagans in the islands. Over 90 childcare providers are currently on the C.I.S. database.

The Chair of the Childcare Partnership, Mrs. Mairi Bremner, said:

"Significant progress has been made by the Partnership in the Western Isles and I am delighted that other local authorities are taking such an interest. This is a success story for the Western Isles and I am delighted that we are able to take that message to other parts of Scotland".

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer