Data paints grim picture for childcare hours target

The capacity of childcare services in Scotland has decreased, prompting renewed fears that the Scottish Government will not be able to meet its pledge to expand free nursery provision.

It has pledged to increase paid-for nursery places from 600 hours to 1,140 for three and four-year-olds, and eligible two-year-olds, by August 2020.

Ministers made a £2 billion funding deal with councils to deliver the pledge.

Critics say the latest report into the state of childcare provision by the Care Inspectorate shows the government risks missing its target to deliver the increase in free childcare.

Last year more children enrolled in childcare, but the latest figures show that the overall capacity in childcare services has fallen 0.2 per cent since 2016.