The Scottish Greens have said the SNP’s current childcare pledges are “lacking in detail” as they urge the party to match their universal free childcare pledge.
In a letter sent to First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said the two parties have previously “worked together effectively”.
However, she said that the SNP childcare plans were “lacking detail so far, with no confirmation of how many hours will be funded, who will be eligible, or how they will access them”.
The Scottish Greens are offering all families in Scotland 1,140 hours of funded childcare from the week after a child turns two, which they have pledged would be delivered as soon as possible after the election.
Scottish Green Party co-leader Gillian Mackay is urging John Swinney to match her party’s pledges (Andrew Milligan/PA)
PA Wire
In the SNP’s manifesto, all children from nine months to the end of primary school would be entitled to childcare.
The system will be tapered based on family income, with the lowest-income households receiving the care for free.
Ms Mackay said: “We all agree that Scotland’s childcare system is not good enough. It is expensive, inflexible and forces too many parents to make really difficult choices about when to go back to work.
“This is an area where all parties should be able to work together.
“That’s why we are urging John Swinney to match our ambition and work with us to deliver the biggest rollout of free childcare for a generation, ensuring that no child is left behind and that no family falls through the cracks of a means-tested system.
“When we invest in childcare we are investing in parents and children and in building a society where families can flourish.
“Scotland’s parents and their children deserve a better deal. And every vote for the Scottish Greens on May 7th is a vote to deliver it.”
The Scottish Greens have also pledged to invest in staffing and nursery facilities with the aim to ensure that by the end of the parliamentary session all families with children aged six months to two years can also access 570 hours of fully funded childcare.
Jenny Gilruth, SNP candidate for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, said: “The SNP has transformed childcare in Scotland – providing 1,140 hours of free, high-quality early learning and childcare, worth around £6,000 to families every year. But we have heard from families across Scotland who need more support.
“A re-elected SNP government will extend childcare for every child in our country from nine months old to the end of primary school – available 52 weeks per year.
“We will deliver a system that fits around families – rather than expecting families to fit around the system. That will mean families benefit from between £1,400 up to over £11,000 dependent on need.
“Every single family in Scotland will get help.
“That is what you get by voting SNP on May 7 – a first minister and an SNP Government always on Scotland’s side.”
