Scottish nursery owners could be excluded from nursery education funding

The cost cutting measure could mean that new providers in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland who apply for the pre-school education funding for three and four-year-olds may be refused it unless they can prove that there is demand, and they provide wrap-a-round care, of which there is a shortage in the area.

The plan is just one measure being considered by Dumfries and Galloway council, who are currently reviewing their pre-school provision partnership agreements.

If introduced, it would allow the local authority to concentrate on filling their remaining pre-school places now that demand for care has fallen as parents look for cheaper alternatives to full daycare.

Under the Scottish system, all three and four-year-olds are entitled to 12.5 hours a week of free nursery education, rather than the 15 hours in England.

A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway council said, ‘Decisions on new partnership agreements with private or voluntary providers are made on a case-by-case basis. A review is carried out, examining aspects such as local need/capacity, strength of business case, sustainability, sufficiency and childcare provision. The results of this review will then determine our decision.