Double whammy for childcare in Scotland

THOUSANDS of Scottish parents have been left short-changed after last week’s Autumn Statement because generous new entitlements on child care will not apply north of the Border.

Children’s charities have hit out after confirming that plans to spend £380 million a year giving 260,000 two-year-olds free childcare places will not apply in Scotland.

They spoke out as the Scottish Government said last night that extending childcare to two-year-olds remained an aspiration, as ministers unveiled a new task force to examine early-years’ provision.

Ministers on both sides of the Border have pledged to fund more care to children aged two, especially those in more disadvantaged homes, both to let parents hold down jobs and to give poorer children more support in their crucial first few years.

It comes amid growing evidence that support for pre-school children from deprived homes can have a huge impact on future prospects, and that leaving help until primary and secondary school is too late.

Last week Chancellor George Osborne said that, with the extra cash, 40 per cent of two-year-olds from the most disadvantaged families would now get funding for a nursery place.

However, family campaigners say Scotland is being hit doubly hard, because none of the new places will be available here and moves by Osborne to cancel increases in child and family tax credit will apply.

Sarah Burton, policy development manager at Children in Scotland, said: “The Chancellor’s announcement shows the UK Government is beginning to understand the importance of investing in children’s early years, but it won’t help Scottish families.”

She added: “It’s time for the Scottish Government to take seriously the impact of costly and inaccessible childcare on families and do more than simply copy Westminster’s targeted focus. We have to match the rhetoric in Scotland with a bigger commitment to practical action.”

Children’s campaigners also note that English three- and four-year-olds are receiving more free childcare than Scots families – 15 hours a week compared to 12.5 hours.

Ruth Davidson, Scottish Tory leader, said: “Scots families are worse off. When I sit down with Alex Salmond in the coming days I will press him to do more. Scotland should not settle for second best.”