FAMILIES SAVE ON AVERAGE £5,000 ON CHILDCARE COSTS
More than 2,000 children are benefiting from free early learning and childcare (ELC) in East Dunbartonshire - saving the average family £5,000 per eligible child on childcare costs.
The total 2,116 children benefiting include 102 eligible two-year-olds and 1,821 three and four year-olds taking up the 1140 hours on offer.
Across Scotland, 83,237 children aged between two and five were accessing the full 1140 hours of ELC for free.
Figures also show the number of children accessing free ELC has increased by 3% on the previous year.
Commenting, Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay said: “Scotland is the only part of the UK to offer 1140 hours of free childcare to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.
“This has saved families in my constituency £5,000 per eligible child, which is a significant saving at a time when costs are skyrocketing as a result of the Tory-made cost of living crisis.
“Childcare also benefits children too by enriching their early years and giving them the confidence and skills they need to prepare them for school.
“The Scottish Government continues to provide support for families in Strathkelvin and Bearsden, and across Scotland with measures like this and other support like the Scottish Child Payment, which will be extended to all eligible under-16s by the end of the year.
“However, it continues to do so with one hand tied behind its back by a Westminster government that has slashed support for families and has caused the biggest squeeze on household budgets in decades.
“That is why only with independence can we fully support families and build a fairer, more equal country.”