WIREDGOV

More than 100,000 families will save up to £700 a year from more free and flexible nursery care, Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell said.

The increase in nursery hours from 475 to 600 hours a year proposed in new legislation will add up to a total saving of £85 million across Scotland.

The extra hours will be available to three and four year olds and the most vulnerable two year olds, reaching an estimated 106,400 families across Scotland.

Speaking during a debate on the Children and Young People Bill, Ms Campbell said:

“The increase in nursery care from 475 to 600 hours a year will make a real difference to families both in terms of organising day to day life and in balancing increasingly tight household budgets.

“In giving more free hours to three and four year olds and the most vulnerable two year olds, we are ensuring that 121,000 children will have access to more high quality care. This will help the education of our children and support parents who want to get back to work.

“Our consultations show that for many families the cost of childcare is prohibitive; it takes up a significant portion of family income and can dictate what work or training parents can take on.

“From 2014 councils will also have a responsibility to consult with parents over the childcare provided to make sure that each area is responding to the particular challenges families are facing and providing the services that are needed.

“Families deserve better and I have said many times that with the power to control our own finances there is more that we would do to support parents and help those that want to work do so. The Children and Young People Bill is a major step towards giving 100,000 Scottish families more options and better choices