THE hourly rate paid to private early learning and childcare providers including childminders in West Dunbartonshire is set to increase this August. 

Members of the local authority’s education committee agreed to increase the rate they pay from £5.67 to £5.84 for three and four-year-olds at their most recent meeting. 

Around one-quarter of the children eligible for a funded ELC place within West Dunbartonshire access their place in the private sector.

A report presented to members highlighted that if a sustainable rate is not paid, there is a risk service within the private sector could close. 

The hourly rate for eligible two-year-olds was previously increased to £5.84 in April 2022. 

During the education committee, members said they were pleased with the recommendations to increase the funding awarded to ELCs. 

Martin Rooney, council leader, said: “I am very happy with the recommendations but the only thing I worry about is that we are relying quite heavily on private providers and the rates.

“One of the reasons we have been asked to review the rates is to ensure that they are sustainable so we can continue to provide that service.

“Is there a risk that the £5.84 an hour is a bit low and puts staff under pressure?”

A council officer confirmed that partners were consulted on the decision on the proposed rate. 

SNP leader, councillor Karen Conaghan, said: “I think it is good that we have been able to provide an increase to the minimum.

“There has been a lot of work done with the partner providers to give them an understanding on why that is the rate we pay. 

“We are paying what we can afford and it is a reasonable enough comparison for those within the West Partnership. It is right that we work with them and give them as fair a rate as possible.”