Children’s charities hit out at lack of free childcare in Scotland

Children's charities have hit out after plans to extend free childcare south of the border will not apply to Scotland. Sarah Burton from Children in Scotland told the Scotland on Sunday that "The Chancellor's announcement shows the UK Government is beginning to understand the importance of investing in children's early years, but it won't help Scottish families."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has called on Alex Salmond to offer Scottish parents the same guaranteed level of free childcare that is available south of the border.

Ruth Davidson MSP said:

"South of the border, every three and four year old child gets 15 hours per week of guaranteed, free childcare provision – in Scotland it is only 12.5 hours. In England over a quarter of a million two year olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds are given free nursery care, yet none do in Scotland.

"When giving support for pre-school education to those from deprived backgrounds can have such a huge impact on their future prospects it is vital that Scotland is not left behind. I am not prepared to let Scotland settle for second best and when I sit down with Alex Salmond in the coming days to discuss this issue I will press him to do more."

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