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19/10/2016

Funding Options Set Out For Flexible Childcare

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled new funding proposals for consultation that will help deliver flexible childcare in the country.

The First Minister has said that the consultation on the early learning and childcare expansion plans includes proposals on new funding models to maximise the options available to parents.

The first proposal would see funding follow the child, with parents or carers empowered to choose the provider that best meets their needs with funding provided by the local authority.

The second proposal would see the establishment of early learning and childcare accounts, with parents or carers given direct funding and allowed to purchase services with providers that offered them the best solution.

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The First Minister said: "Over this parliament, we will double the amount of state-funded early years education and childcare for all three and four year olds and for the most disadvantaged two year olds. And today I can announce a new phase in this childcare revolution.

"At present it is local authorities who decide what childcare places are offered to parents. Councils work hard to be flexible – but often the places offered to parents are not where and when they need them.

"So today we are launching a national parent consultation on how to do things differently. It proposes radical new approaches prioritising choice and flexibility."

She continued: "First, we will propose that parents can choose a nursery or childminder that best suits their needs and – as long as the provider meets agreed standards – ask the local authority to fund it. In other words, the funding will follow the child – not the other way round.

"Second, as suggested by Children in Scotland's Childcare Commission, we will propose that parents can opt to receive funding in a childcare account and then use it to purchase a suitable place directly.

"Quality, choice, flexibility – these will be the watchwords of a policy to transform the working lives of families and the life chances of our children."

(JP/MH)

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"Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled new funding proposals for consultation that will help deliver flexible childcare in the country."