The latest figures from the Care Inspectorate for 2014 show that since 2010, the number of children attending early learning and childcare services has steadily increased.
According to annual figures, as of November 2014, 229,840 pre-school children attended settings, up from 218,300 in 2010.
Children in the most deprived areas were more likely to attend a children or family centre, while those in the least deprived areas were more likely to use a childminder.
The Care Inspectorate, the equivalent to Ofsted in Scotland, believes the increase to the free hours for three- and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds - from 475 to 600 hours last year - is the main reason behind the rise in the number of children attending settings.
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