SNP will deliver revolution in childcare if it wins election, says Jenny Gilruth

The SNP will deliver a “revolution in childcare” if it wins the Scottish Parliament elections, the party has promised.

The Education Secretary said her party would extend support to every family in the country for children from nine months to the end of primary school

Under the plans, Jenny Gilruth said families would benefit from between £1,400 and about £11,000 in support.

The SNP described it as a “revolution in childcare”. Ms Gilruth said: “The SNP has transformed childcare in Scotland since coming to office with our current provision saving families around £6,000 per year.

“But we want to go further and finish the job. We’ve listened to what families told us about some of the challenges they face, particularly during the summer months.

“Parents don’t stop working during the summer holidays, so neither will our childcare offer: year-round childcare, 52 weeks a year, right until children leave primary school. (Scottish Labour leader) Anas Sarwar is offering families two weeks, we are offering 52.”

Ms Gilruth promised that “no family will be left behind under the SNP”, saying they were set to benefit from “£1,400 up to over £11,000 dependent on need”, before adding: “That’s what an SNP government on Scotland’s side will deliver.”

She said: “That is our transformative offer to Scottish families and it is by far and away the most substantial childcare offer at this election – this is the type of Scotland we will build and only a vote for the SNP can secure that future.

“Under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP is resolutely focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland: improving the NHS, supporting people with the cost of living and delivering the fresh start of independence.”

Scottish Conservative education spokesperson Miles Briggs said: “The SNP have had almost 20 years to sort out childcare provision for Scottish families.

“Voters will have no faith in this pledge being fulfilled by a party that promised and failed to deliver tablets and bikes for Scottish schoolkids ahead of the last election.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP said: “Having kids is an expensive business and the SNP haven’t made it any easier.

“On their watch, gaps and postcode lotteries exist across the country, like with the rules on when children turning three actually start receiving funded hours.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have got a realistic plan to end that unfairness.

“Our plans would prioritise working families to help parents return to work, close the gender pay gap and raise additional revenue.

“We would also inject more flexibility into the system by ensuring parents who live in one council area but work in another can choose where their child attends nursery.”

Gillian Mackay, Scottish Greens co-leader, said: “Any improvement on the current childcare offering is to be welcomed, but it’s still not clear exactly what the SNP is offering or who will be able to access it.

“Every child deserves the best start, so childcare expansion shouldn’t be means-tested as that will mean children and families falling through the cracks.

“High-quality, affordable childcare is one of the most important investments we can make for parents, children and our communities, and every family should see the same benefit.

“That’s why universal free childcare is at the heart of our vision for Scotland.

“The Scottish Greens would roll out 1,140 hours of funded childcare for every two-year-old in Scotland while offering 570 hours of funded childcare to every child from six months to two years old.

“Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote to support children and their families and to build a future where every child can reach their full potential.”