Alexander launches 'children first' plans

Published on Monday 3 March 2008 13:24

LABOUR leader Wendy Alexander was in Edinburgh today to launch a series of family-friendly policies which aim to put children first.

The proposals include providing nursery spaces for all vulnerable two-year-olds and more practical support for parents, including a national telephone advice line.

Labour is also calling for a network of family learning centres, which would provide childcare, help mothers and fathers develop their parenting skills and also provide back to work training for parents.

And it wants more safe, supervised play areas for youngsters to enjoy.

Ms Alexander was at the Yard Adventure Playground, on Eyre Place Lane in Canonmills, to launch the document – called A Positive Start for Every Child.

And the Labour leader, herself the mother of young twins, said: "We all want the very best for our children. Scotland's future as a prosperous country depends on giving our youngest citizens the best possible start.

Ms Alexander said Labour was deliberately focusing on measures to help children in the first few years of their lives because "progress made in the first formative years will reap great benefits for Scotland's children and parents in the years to come".

The document also contains proposals for a charter of support for the parents of disabled youngsters.