£1bn project to boost childcare

Families in Shotts will benefit from a share of almost £1 billion of Scottish Government investment in free childcare.

Following extensive engagement to reach a shared understanding of the costs of the expansion, Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders have reached agreement on a multi-year funding package.

The Scottish Government will invest an additional £ 567 million per year by 2021-22, bringing total spending on early learning and childcare to around £990 million.

All three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds, will be entitled to 1140 hours of free childcare – effectively mirroring the primary school week.

In addition, the Scottish Government will provide councils with total capital funding of £ 476 million over four years to support associated buildings projects.

MSP Alex Neil said: “Families in Shotts will benefit from our share of almost £1 billion funding each year to support our ambitious expansion of free childcare.

“The SNP are determined to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up – and our childcare expansion will be of enormous help to families with young children.

“By almost doubling the availability of free childcare, parents will save hundreds of pounds a month and many will find it easier to return to work or to increase their working hours.

“This is a significant investment in families in North Lanarkshire and across Scotland.”