Council cuts will hit families and young children in Glasgow

Glasgow city Council announced on 28 August that Early Years Scotland (EYS), the leading third sector organisation for children from pre-birth to five years, had been turned down for the £100,596 a year grant that it applied for under the Glasgow Communities Fund.

It is one of 136 charities and agencies that have been rejected for any support by the new fund, previously known as the Integrated Glasgow Fund.

The organisation, which has almost 1,200 members, applied for the funding in order to be able to continue ‘vital direct support services’ for local Early Learning and Childcare settings, as well as the EYS Together We Can practical support sessions for parent and toddler groups across the city.

Jane Brumpton CEO, Early Years Scotland, said, ‘EYS is extremely disappointed to learn that we have been unsuccessful in securing this funding, which would have enabled us to continue to provide much needed direct, face-to-face support, which greatly benefits children and families the length and breadth of Glasgow.

‘We value, beyond measure, the place that parent and toddler groups play in the earliest years of children’s lives, as well as the positive impact they have overall. They support strong, rich and nurturing connections within communities, and promote family wellbeing.’

In a heartfelt statement, Ms Brumpton reassured members that EYS remains ‘strongly committed’ to supporting all ELC and parent and toddler group member settings through these extremely difficult and challenging times.

She said, ‘We promise to continue to be there for you, as and when you need us to be, to ensure you remain sustainable and resilient going forward. EYS is already actively working on new and innovative ways to continue to support services, where face to face delivery is affected.’