Nursery World - Childcare 'is crucial to rural inclusion'

The lack of registered childminders in rural areas must be addressed in order to reduce poverty and social exclusion, a Scottish Executive-backed report has recommended. Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Scotland, by the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group, found that parents generally welcomed the Scottish Executive's commitment to offer two hours of free pre-school provision daily for all three-and four-year-olds, but reported problems accessing affordable pre-school and childcare provision.

Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Scotland, by the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group, found that parents generally welcomed the Scottish Executive's commitment to offer two hours of free pre-school provision daily for all three-and four-year-olds, but reported problems accessing affordable pre-school and childcare provision.

The lack of suitable childcare created a barrier to employment, especially for lone parents, and children were seen as missing out on the benefits of pre-school. The researchers spoke to one parent who was forced to stay overnight with relatives just so a child could go to pre-school one day a week.

The report states, 'It is vital that children in rural communities are given the best start possible - that they attain the basic education and life skills to enable them to develop; that they grow up in a safe environment, free from stress; and that they are removed from the cycle of deprivation.

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