4,011 CHILDREN IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN BENEFIT FROM FREE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE

FAMILIES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN SAVE ON AVERAGE £5,000 ON CHILDCARE COSTS 
  
The number of children benefitting from free early learning and childcare in Midlothian stands at 1,711 and East Lothian stands at 1,949. Saving the average family £5,000 per eligible child on childcare costs. 
  
Among the children who are eligible, 216 eligible two-year-olds and 3,471 across Midlothian and East Lothian are taking up the 1140 hours on offer. 
  
Across Scotland, 83,237 children aged between two and five were accessing the full 1140 hours of ELC for free. 
  
Figures also show the number of children accessing free ELC has increased by 3% on the previous year. 
  
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: 
  
“Scotland is the only part of the UK to offer 1140 hours of free childcare to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds. 
  
“This has saved families in Midlothian and East Lothian £5,000 per eligible child, which is a significant saving at a time when costs are skyrocketing as a result of the Tory-made cost of living crisis. 
  
“Childcare also benefits children too by enriching their early years and giving them the confidence and skills they need to prepare them for school. 
  
“The Scottish Government continues to provide support for families in Midlothian, East Lothian and across Scotland with measures like this and other support like the Scottish Child Payment, which will be extended to all eligible under-16s by the end of the year. 

“However, it continues to do so with one hand tied behind its back by a Westminster government that has slashed support for families and has caused the biggest squeeze on household budgets in decades. 

“That is why only with independence can we fully support families and build a fairer, more equal country.”