10,000 Families could benefit from more free early learning and childcare

Published: 7 February 2019

More than 10,000 families across the city could be in line to benefit from more free and fully funded early learning and childcare (ELC) in Glasgow's nurseries following an agreement and cross party support at today's City Administration Committee today - Thursday 7 February.

Glasgow families earning up to £45,000 will now be offered 900 hours of free ELC provision for three and four year olds from August 2019 - an additional 300 hours of their current statutory entitlement.

Partner providers will also be able to offer this should they wish.

This is an increase of the current household threshold of £30,000 introduced by the City Government last year as the council works towards rolling out the Scottish Government's national commitment of  1140hrs fully funded early learning expansion plans for all 3 and 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds by August 2020.

The committee report also outlines the council's commitment to our valued partner providers by announcing the new commissioning rate - an increase of 54% to £5.40 per hour which will be available from August 2019.

This will help partners as they make their own phasing plans for the introduction of 1140hrs by August 2020.

Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Education, Skills & Early Years said: "This proposal will mean more fully funded early learning and childcare hours for thousands of our families and will be a big help towards the monthly bills in a time when everyone is feeling the pinch.

"I'm delighted that our proposal received cross party support at today's City Administration Committee - we predict that from August as many as 10,000 Glasgow families will benefit with more access to a quality, flexible and affordable early years' service.

"I'm also delighted to announce, as we work towards a phased introduction of 1140 fully funded hours for all 3 and 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds, the council's new sustainable partner provider rate.

"This will hopefully bring reassurance to our valued partners that we are committed to continue to work together to deliver in Glasgow's quality early learning and childcare settings."

Children's Minister Maree Todd said: "It's fantastic to see Glasgow City Council striding ahead and increasing the number of funded early learning and childcare hours to 900 hours from this August for the vast majority of families with 3 and 4 year olds in the city.  This means more children will receive high quality childcare city-wide before they've even set foot in school and parents and carers will enjoy more choice and flexibility across the private, public and voluntary sectors. 

"International research has proven that universally accessible and high quality early years education helps to provide children with skills and confidence to carry into school.  I look forward to seeing these positive changes to children's lives as a result of Glasgow's early roll-out."

Click to read full Early Learning & Childcare Expansion committee report.

For more information on Glasgow's early learning provision visit GFIS

Details on Glasgow's 1140hrs expansion plans.