Childcare plan put on hold

THE First Minister has said she is “deeply sorry” her Government’s flagship free childcare plans are being put on hold for a year because of coronavirus.

Nicola Sturgeon said the delay in implementing the provision of 1140 hours of free early years care is both “inevitable” and “regrettable”.

She was speaking after ministers confirmed the policy will not be introduced in the 2020-21 school year.