Scots nurseries to receive £11.2 million funding boost

Nurseries in Scotland are to receive a £11.2 million funding boost to help them safely reopen amid warnings that many will run at a loss for months.

Nurseries are to receive £11m boost

The cash was announced by the Scottish Government yesterday to help with the cost of increased cleaning, the creation of more outdoor space and changes to allow for physical distancing of adults.

The new Transitional Support Fund will help childcare providers in the private and third sectors, including out-of-school care providers.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s childcare sector has been working extremely hard to ensure measures are in place to give staff and parents confidence ahead of their safe reopening.

“Indeed many have been operating in this way over the past months as they provide essential high-quality care for the children of key workers, and I give them my warmest thanks for doing so.

“However, taking these steps has resulted in extra costs for childcare providers, at a time when their income has also reduced. I am very pleased that, through this new fund, we can support them through these unprecedented times.”

Nurseries were allowed to reopen this week, but a snapshot survey by NDNA (National Day Nurseries Association) Scotland found that many did not, while 74% said they run at a loss over the coming three months with 20% only able to break even.

Chief executive Purnima Tanuku said: "Since lockdown began we have made a strong case for transitionary funding which has been announced today as nurseries and other childcare settings look to come out of lockdown. This will be a vital lifeline for providers to help adjust to the new operating realities.

“It’s important for these grants to reach providers as quickly and directly as possible, with a straightforward application process. We hope providers will be able to apply for work that has already been carried out in preparation for this week’s re-opening.”

Ministers are also to relax guidance on “bubbles” which restricted nursery groups to a maximum of eight, a change welcomed by Ms Tanuku.

She added: “Nurseries always make the safety of children and their staff their number one priority. Risk assessments will still be carried out and we will wait to see any other changes to the guidance. Parents can be assured that all other protective measures will be in place around health and safety and infection control. Settings will be working hard to provide high quality learning experiences in a safe environment.

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