Positively, nurseries are working well to deliver on key objectives and requirements, including registration of the workforce with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
However, our research also highlights that there are key challenges. Children in Scotland access free hours through the pre-school provision scheme, yet 72 per cent report that funding does not cover costs and 62 per cent report that funding levels had not risen from last year. Increasingly, nurseries are being required to tender to deliver these places, restricting choice for parents and sustainability. It is critical that the Scottish government ensures that funding reflects costs and that all parents are able to take up a place at a nursery of their choice. Linked to this, as nurseries work to achieve workforce objectives such as Level 9 leadership and SSSC registration, costs will continue to rise, and this must be reflected in the support and funding provided. With the Scottish Budget announcing a new early intervention fund and a focus on early years, there is a real opportunity for government to work with nurseries.
Fewer nurseries are reporting high levels of occupancy than in 2009, and coupled with significant rises in business rates, nurseries are feeling the pinch.
Private and voluntary nurseries are critical to the success of Scotland's economy, ensuring children get the best start and parents can work or train. With pending cuts, they will play an increasing role in supporting a successful economy. NDNA believes that support for the Scottish nursery sector is critical. NDNA will be using this evidence to support the development of an election manifesto in the run-up to the Scottish elections.
- For a copy of the research visit www.ndna.org.uk and select 'news' and 'sector news'.
