Early Adopter Community Project
Project Information
Fife Council's Childcare Services Team are working together with the Scottish Government on the Early Adopter Community (EAC) Project which aims to build and deliver a system of accessible and affordable school age childcare, initially across the Levenmouth area.
Aims
The objective is to reduce barriers to employment, and also to reduce inequalities for children and families. The Project aims to offer before and after school childcare within Levenmouth, with wider support for families, to improve family wellbeing by increasing access to childcare, food and activities.
Families
The Project is focussed on supporting all families in Levenmouth, but in particular low income families within the six priority family groups:
- Minority Ethnic families
- Large families (+3 children)
- Families with a baby under 1 year old
- Mothers aged under 25
- Families with a disability in the household
- Lone parents
The childcare will enable parents and carers to either start looking for work or study opportunities, sustain their current employment, or move into more sustainable work or take on additional hours.
Funded Places &
Current Services
There are a number of funded places available for families who are already working with our trusted partners and support agencies. These places aim to support families into employment, education, or through times of need. The places are generally offered on a referral basis through the partner agencies.
Services
A few out-of-school Clubs are now being available through the EAC Project which are based within local community led and support organisations, and also within Levenmouth primary schools.
- Methilhill Community Children's Initiative is a community led group that is based within the Methilhill Community Learning Garden, who operate a programme of activities including the Outdoor Adventurers Club after school for Primary 1-7 with activities and a light tea provided Monday to Thursday (term-time) 3.00pm to 5.45pm. MCCI also offer additional support for families including toiletries, cleaning products, and benefits checks.
- Kennoway Out of School Club is a Council-run service providing an After School Club within the primary school. The Club runs Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm and provides snacks and activities. There are a limited number of funded places for families who meet the criteria and can be referred for a place by professionals and agencies who are supporting the family.
- Mountfleurie Out of School Club is a new Council-run service that has been established, providing a Breakfast and After School Club within the primary school for children from both Mountfleurie School and St Agatha’s School. The Club runs Monday to Friday 7.45am to 9am, and will pilot a more flexible model with sessions to 5pm or 6pm. The Club provides snacks and activities and will offer a space for regular family support such as benefits and budgeting advice, and other sessions around the theme of tackling poverty.
The work continues to provide support to establish new services.
Contacts
If you would like to know more about the funded places at one of the Clubs, please contact your support agency or partner that you are currently working with.
If you have any queries about the project, please contact Ashley or Clair at: ashley.birrell@fife.gov.uk or clair.lawrence@fife.gov.uk