Scottish government announces funding for school-age childcare

As part of a national mission to tackle child poverty, the Scottish Government is investing £1 million in school age childcare in parts of Dundee, Glasgow, Clackmannanshire and Inverclyde. A roll-out in other parts of the country will follow in April 2023.

In these areas, eligible low-income families will receive help with the cost of childcare for primary-school-aged children.

The funding will be distributed to local authorities and the services will be delivered by regulated childcare services and activity-based providers.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: "Delivering our vision of a high-quality, affordable and accessible system of childcare is crucial to our national mission to tackle child poverty. It can help parents and carers to access work, training or study, while children benefit from additional opportunities to socialise and take part in a range of activities.

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to delivering school age childcare – what we learn from the four areas that will see services expanded will help us understand what is needed to support families in different communities.”

Dundee City Council family support worker Doug Millar said:

“The Linlathen project will go a long way to help remove barriers to childcare for people in this area.

“Parents will be able to access employment opportunities while their children are enjoying activities delivered in a safe and nurturing environment.”