Delivering a keynote speech in Edinburgh this week, Johann Lamont announced plans to introduce a cap on childcare costs based on the Scandinavian model if the Labour party comes to power in 2016.
She also unveiled a £35 million plan to give free childcare to mothers who want to return to college to get the training they need for a job.
Ms Lamont said, ‘I want to help those families struggling with the costs of childcare, and the mothers at home because childcare prices them out of the job market. Most of all, I want to give those children the best possible start in life.
She added that the proposals would be an ‘important first step in achieving this parliament’s mission to transform childcare in Scotland, supporting families, allowing women to access the skills to get a good job and giving children the best start in life.’
The Scottish Labour party was unable to confirm how the initiatives would be funded.
Jackie Brock, chief executive of Children in Scotland and Chair of the Childcare Alliance, said, ‘The Scottish Labour Party's proposals for major change to our childcare system show that achieving affordable, high-quality childcare is at the top of the political agenda and we welcome Scottish Labour's commitment to achieving change. We know that the current system is not working in terms of cost, flexibility and outcomes, and that is why Children in Scotland is actively seeking a better deal for families.
‘Exactly how this can be achieved is a hugely complex and difficult issue. Any future Scottish Government promising to improve the current system will have to find a way of organising and funding a system that delivers high-quality for children and their families, allows parents to return to, and remain in, employment or study, and provides value for money for the tax payer.'
