MARY We must tackle inequality now
BY WEST SCOTLAND MSP MARY FEE
The expansion of funded nursery places was always a big task.
As admirable as the intentions are, the SNP government only has itself to blame for the mess it finds itself in.
Every three and four-year-old, and some two -year-olds, will be entitled to 1,140 hours of funded early year’s education starting in August next year.
Now, with only a year to go, the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) have warned the Scottish Government they are facing a “workforce crisis” that will affect the sustainability of many voluntary, notfor-profit and private providers.
The NDNA reports that 71 per cent of providers are facing recruitment challenges. This is because many are leaving partner providers to move to council-run nurseries, where wages and conditions are much better.
I want to see early learning and childcare that is affordable and flexible that delivers for parents and children all year round.
Scottish Labour welcomed the proposal to increase the so-called free hours to 1,140, which is the equivalent of the school day, 9am to 3pm, during term time. However, there has been warning after warning about the delivery of the plans by the SNP.
Last year an Audit Scotland report showed the policy was underfunded.
Councils warned of the financial challenges they face. Private nurseries spoke about their levels of staff retention.
We need high standard early learning and childcare to tackle inequality and improve the lives of children.
We cannot have a system that could let families and staff down. I fear that is what we are heading towards.
Back to school
As pupils across West Scotland return to school this week, I would like to wish them all best of luck with the new school year.
Last week pupils across Renfrewshire received their exam results. I hope everyone was as successful as they needed to be and would like to congratulate all pupils who were sitting exams.
We all want to have an education system where all young people can achieve their potential.
However, for the fourth year in a row the pass rate for Highers fell nationally.
This level of complacency shown by the Scottish Government is worrying.
Years of sustained cuts to schools, thousands fewer teachers and the narrowing of the curriculum are failing young people.
Retirement
Being elected as an MSP to represent my community and the people of West Scotland has been an honour.
At the next election in May 2021, I will be retiring as an MSP.
I have been proud to help thousands of people from all areas of West Scotland and I will continue to do so until 2021.