Greens call for end to hidden childcare costs for 3 year olds
In a move that could save parents in Scotland thousands of pounds, the Scottish Greens have called on the Government to work with local councils to ensure childcare is truly free from age three.
Every year, hundreds of parents across the country are surprised to find that their three year olds’ 1140 free childcare hours don’t actually kick in until the term after they’ve turned three.
In the most extreme cases, a child born on the 1st March would have to wait until the 1st August - 22 weeks - to access their funded hours, costing families thousands of pounds in unexpected childcare costs.
As part of budget negotiations, the Scottish Greens are calling on the Scottish Government to fix outdated guidance and properly fund local councils so that childcare is truly free at three.
Scottish Greens co-leader, Gillian Mackay, said:
“Right now, simply because of where and when children are born, families are being caught by this hidden childcare cost.
“With more and more Councils only offering funded hours from the term after a child turns three, parents are shelling out thousands of pounds to plug the gap.
“The 1140 funded hours that parents were promised for three and four year olds need to be truly free at three for every child in Scotland.
“The Scottish Government could fix this overnight. That’s why we’re demanding that next year’s Scottish Budget properly funds Councils to provide funded hours from the Monday after a child turns three.
“This is a simple fix that will save young families money, support local services, and start to offer a better deal for parents across the country.”
Gillian added:
“As my wee one grows up and I return to work in Parliament, the reality of life as a working mum is becoming even clearer. For too many families, Scotland’s childcare offer just isn’t working for them.
“It’s too inflexible, too expensive, and your options are too often down to a postcode lottery. We need more funded hours, serious investment in our early years workforce, and a commitment to flexible provision that means the needs of all children - from babies through to pre-schoolers.
“Parents and their children urgently need a better deal. And the Scottish Greens will always fight for them.”