“Significant risks” to delivering early learning and childcare plan, UNISON comment

UNISON comment on embargoed news release (Thursday) on a joint report by the Auditor General for Scotland and the Accounts Commission into the expansion of early learning and childcare provision in Scotland: “Significant risks” to delivering early learning and childcare plan by 2020.

Commenting on the report, Carol Ball convener of UNISON’s education issues group said: “UNISON members who deliver early learning and childcare have been saying promises of free expansion must be accompanied by commitments for investment in better buildings, more staff and quality staff training.

“Currently Scotland’s childcare provision is patchy, complex and expensive. We need a radical overhaul of childcare provision to ensure that we provide high quality, affordable, safe and nurturing environment for children. Public delivery is the most cost effective way forward. It is where we are best able to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive service. It also makes it easier to ensure that the workforce is properly paid and well qualified.”

UNISON Contacts
Carol Ball: 07803 952263
Danny Phillips: 07944 664 110