First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been challenged to ensure private nurseries are fully involved in the rollout of one of her government’s flagship policies. Since pledging to provide every 3 & 4 year old and some 2 year olds with 1140 hours of free childcare a year by 2020, there has been criticism from private nurseries that they are being shut out of the process by councils.
As part of the process, the Scottish Government are providing funds to councils to support investment in nursery buildings and recruitment to deal with the increased workload. According to advice issued by the Scottish Government, councils are expected to work in partnership with private providers to agree how additional government funds will be divided up.
However, private nursery owners have been contacting Brian Whittle MSP to complain that some councils are shutting them out. The councils have been accused of not consulting private nurseries and using the Scottish Government funds to poach staff and invest only in local authority run nurseries. Nursery owners report that, having spent time and money recruiting and training staff, they’re being poached by councils using the government funds to offer higher salaries. Without a fair share of funding, private nurseries fear being unable to deliver the additional hours and being forced out of business.
Now, South Scotland MSP Brian has raised the issue in Holyrood and called on the First Minister to act.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Private nurseries across Scotland play a vital role in delivering childcare. They not only contribute to the local economy, but they give parents a wider choice of options when it comes to their child’s first experience of education.
It’s extremely worrying that instead of working in partnership with these small businesses, some councils are only looking out for themselves.
Early years education is an important part of a child’s development, which is why I support the provision of free childcare. But the First Minister must take action to prevent private providers being driven out of business and leaving parents with less choice when it comes to childcare. If private providers aren’t properly included in this process then the entire policy is at risk. ”
