Families To Save £2,000 On Childcare

2015 to bring more progress on childcare and families on track to save.

The SNP is highlighting the progress 2015 will bring on the roll out of free childcare – with parents on track to save up to £2,000 per year by the end of the next Parliament.

Since the SNP came to power, we have increased nursery entitlement by 45 per cent for 3 and 4 year olds – from 412.5 hours per week in 2007 to 600 hours in August 2016. This has saved families up to £707 per child per year.

In 2015, the roll out is set to continue – with a focus on providing childcare for the most deprived two year olds.

By August 27 per cent of two year olds – as well as all three and four year olds – will receive 16 hours a week of childcare.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined a commitment to increase childcare provision to 30 hours per week by the end of the next Parliament – a move that would save families around £2,000 per child per year.

SNP MSP George Adam, who sits on the Education Committee, said:

“Investing in quality, affordable childcare is one of the best steps we can take toward a better future for Scotland. In 2015 the roll out of childcare will continue – with a focus on ensuring that more of our most vulnerable two year olds can benefit.

“This means that from August 2015, 27 per cent of Scotland’s two year olds - as well as all three and four year olds -will receive 16 hours a week of childcare. This is more hours of childcare than anywhere else in the UK – and it is enabling more parents, especially women, to get back into work.

“Since 2007 we have increased free childcare hours by 45 per cent – saving families up to £707 per child per year.

“Improving childcare is a top priority for the SNP in government – and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already pledged to build on progress if the SNP are re-elected in 2016.

“Our 2016 manifesto will set out an ambitious plan to increase childcare provision even further, upping provision by almost double - from 16 to 30 hours a week. This ambitious plan will save families around £2,000 per child per year.

“The SNP is absolutely committed to making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. 2015 will be another important year as we work toward achieving that goal."