News

SNP would extend free nursery care

An increase in free nursery provision to 20 hours a week was among pledges made by the Scottish National Party if it wins power in the Scottish Parliament election in May. SNP shadow education and lifelong learning minister Fiona Hyslop made the announcement following the release of the Daycare Trust and Children in Scotland's survey which revealed nursery fees rising at almost double the rate of those in England (News, 22 February).

SNP shadow education and lifelong learning minister Fiona Hyslop made the announcement following the release of the Daycare Trust and Children in Scotland's survey which revealed nursery fees rising at almost double the rate of those in England (News, 22 February).

Ms Hyslop said, 'As part of a ten-year strategy for early years, an SNP government will increase the provision of free nursery education for Scots families by 50 per cent, with families also benefiting from longer hours and more weeks of free provision.'

The SNP says that many parents find the 2.5 hours a day entitlement inflexible, and providing a full half-day of free provision is at the heart of the plan.

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