SNP PLANS TO INVEST £645 MILLION IN CHILDCARE EXPANSION

​FAMILIES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN TO SAVE £4,500 PER CHILD PER YEAR UNDER BUDGET PLANS
 
SNP MSP, Colin Beattie, has hailed a Scottish Government announcement which would commit £645 million to expand early learning and childcare provision across Scotland and save families in Midlothian and East Lothian £4,500 per child a year.
 
Announcing the Scottish Government’s draft budget proposals for 2020/21 in Holyrood, SNP Minister Kate Forbes announced investment that will support the SNP’s plan to almost double the free provision of childcare to 1140 hours from August 2020 for all 3 and 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds
 
As well as improving outcomes for children, this investment will save families up to £4,500 per child per year and give parents and carers more choice over how they access their child’s funded hours and flexibility to explore work, education or training opportunities.
 
The Scottish Government will also invest £180 million in raising attainment in schools, and support the building, refurbishment and extension of around 880 nurseries.
 
By the end of this parliament, childcare spending will have more than doubled to £990 million.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said:
 
“This commitment from the SNP to almost double the provision of free childcare will help ensure children across Midlothian and East Lothian are given the best possible start in life, and Scotland becomes the best place in the world to grow up.
 
“That £645 million investment will save families in Midlothian and East Lothian up to £4,500 per child per year and give parents and carers more choice over how they access their child’s funded hours and flexibility to explore work, education or training opportunities.
 
“A massive investment in childcare is something that MSPs of all parties can get behind – I hope to see my political opponents back the Scottish Government’s plans in Parliament next month.”