Scottish Greens call for childcare to be truly free at three
The SNP is being urged to use its upcoming Programme for Government to ensure childcare is genuinely free from the day a child turns three, ending the financial burden faced by families who currently have to pay nursery fees until the next school term.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay has said the change would help families struggling with the cost of childcare and end the postcode lottery in provision.
Expanding free childcare was a key Scottish Greens policy in the 2026 election. The party proposed 570 hours of free childcare for every child from six months old, alongside extending the existing 1,140 hours from three-year-olds to two-year-olds.
The party is now calling on the SNP to take the first step by ensuring every child can access their free hours from their third birthday, rather than having to wait until the following school term.
Gillian said:
“Families across Scotland are feeling the strain on their budgets. They have been promised free childcare when their little ones turn three, but most councils are not providing it from that point.
“Instead, many parents are forced to pay nursery fees for months between their child’s third birthday and the start of the next school term.
“For many families, that comes at a difficult time. Parents, particularly mothers, may already be feeling the pinch after surviving on very little maternity pay during their baby’s first year. They can then face a large childcare bill simply to return to work — in some cases costing more than their monthly rent or mortgage.
“Nobody should have to choose between their family and their career, or be pushed into debt to make work possible. If we want more parents to enter and remain in the workforce, childcare must be both available and affordable.
“The SNP has the opportunity to end the postcode lottery and ensure every child receives their free childcare hours from their third birthday. The Scottish Greens are urging them to make that commitment in next month’s Programme for Government.”