The number of childcare providers has fallen to the lowest level on record, despite the SNP promising a ‘revolution’ in childcare.
New figures reveal the number of childcare providers is down by almost 1,000 since 2008. The fall includes a reduction in the number of childminders, with almost 400 lost in the last 18 months.
A total of 9,282 childcare providers in March 2017, including nursery staff, is the lowest number on record.
The figures make a mockery of the SNP’s promised ‘revolution’ in childcare.
The findings are part of our summer campaign, For The Many, which this week will focus on the next generation of Scots.
We have so far focused on the economy, unveiling an industrial strategy, the cost of living, which included a five-point plan to tackle working poverty, and the NHS, with the establishment of a workforce commission.
We want to see a flexible childcare system, with a breakfast club in every primary school and a legal guarantee of flexible childcare for working parents.
You can read more about our plans for a Scotland that works for the many, not the few, in our manifesto: http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/page/-/Manifesto%202017.pdf
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