Action must be taken on affordability of childcare

EVERYONE who embarks on the life-changing business of raising children knows to expect not only years of delight but also a sometimes daunting amount of expenditure. Nonetheless, it is troubling to learn from a Scottish Government report that more than two-thirds of parents are struggling to pay for pre-school childcare.

The issue is important. Better childcare is key to closing the attainment gap, and also helps in getting more parents back into work, which ultimately benefits both themselves and the economy.

The Scottish Government has set an ambitious target of nearly doubling entitlement to funded early learning and childcare from 600 to 1140 hours by 2020. This is one of its main strategies for supporting children from poorer backgrounds. While it raises the awkward possibility of benefiting wealthier families more, and could also lead to the withdrawal of working tax benefits, the hope remains that it will help more disadvantaged parents start paid employment or work more hours.

It is a fair strategy, but will require close monitoring. We would also suggest examining particular problems mentioned by parents: upfront fees, transport costs, and monies required for trips or other activities. Childcare unaffordability is clearly a symptom of wider inequality over which the Scottish Government has limited influence. But there is still much that can be done.