Bid to expand childcare

A major drive to encourage more people to go into a career in childcare will be launched this autumn, as the Scottish Government strives to meet its pledge to virtually double the amount of free hours youngsters can receive.

Early years minister Mark McDonald said the move would help ensure parents have more choice than ever before for childcare.

While three and four-year-olds, and vulnerable two-years-olds, get 600 hours a year of funded care, the Scottish Government is committed to raising this to 1,140 hours by 2020.

An action plan, containing 31 steps to help achieve this over 2017-18, will see a new funding system brought in where the cash follows the child.

A Government consultation found “significant support” for childminders being able to provide funded care as well as nurseries, so the new set-up will be “provider neutral”.