The targets are for all three- and four-year-olds to receive 15 hours of free education for 38 weeks per year by autumn 2010.
Speaking at a committee meeting, councillor Marilyne MacLaren, convener of education, children and families, said the target would cost £800,000. She confirmed the council could not afford this.
Ms MacLaren said, 'At the moment the majority of nursery-age children receive 475 hours per year [12.5 hours a week], which is the current maximum. It has been estimated that we would require an additional £800,000 per year to increase the provision to 570 hours per year. Until we can secure this additional funding, we will be unable to reach the target.'
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