Nursery World - Census finds rise in private places

The number of children receiving pre-school education in Scotland grew by 6 per cent overall between January 2002 and January 2003, according to statistics published by the Scottish Executive last week. The summary results of the 2003 Pre-school and Daycare Census reveal a 22 per cent increase in the number of children receiving pre-school education from private sector partner centres, compared with growth of 4 per cent at council-run centres and 7 per cent at voluntary sector partner centres.

The summary results of the 2003 Pre-school and Daycare Census reveal a 22 per cent increase in the number of children receiving pre-school education from private sector partner centres, compared with growth of 4 per cent at council-run centres and 7 per cent at voluntary sector partner centres.

Patricia McGinty, a director of the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association, said, 'Some local authorities have been keen to commission places in the private sector when they realise that it is more cost-effective. For example, in east Dunbartonshire, the local authority's cost to provide pre-school education is two-and-a-half times my cost. Also, reports about the quality of education in the private sector have shown it is good, and we are way ahead in offering integrated care and education, and that's what parents need.'

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