Scottish Greens hail childcare victory
The Scottish Greens have welcomed a major victory in the Scottish Parliament after the Scottish Government backed key parts of a Green motion calling for urgent improvements to Scotland’s childcare system.
During today’s childcare debate at Holyrood, the Scottish Government agreed that they must work towards fixing some of the biggest problems facing families trying to access funded childcare.
The Green motion commits ministers to ensuring that children can access their funded childcare entitlement from the week after their third birthday, instead of families being forced to wait until the next school term. It also calls for childcare places to be made available across council boundaries, helping parents access nursery places closer to work or family support networks rather than being restricted by where they live.
The vote follows growing concern from parents facing high childcare bills because of delays in accessing funded hours, or because local authorities have blocked cross-border nursery placements.
Scottish Greens Co-Leader Ross Greer said:
“Today marks a big step forward for families across Scotland
“For too long, parents have been left paying thousands of pounds extra simply because of when their child was born or because they live on one side of a council boundary and work on the other.
“The Scottish Green’s campaigned in the election that we would seek immediate action to fix these unfair gaps in the childcare system, and I’m delighted that the Government has now accepted that change is needed.
“Families should not have to wait months after their child turns three to access the funded childcare they are already entitled to. That delay puts huge financial pressure on parents at a time when many are already struggling with the cost of living.
““It is also imperative to end the situation where children lose out on nursery places because they live in a neighbouring council area. Childcare needs to work around the realities of people’s lives and jobs, not outdated council boundaries
“This agreement is an important step towards the Scottish Greens’ wider vision of free, flexible childcare for every family. Good childcare reduces poverty, supports women back into work if they choose, helps children get the best start in life and makes it easier for families to thrive.”