Scottish Government plans will extend free childcare

Scottish three and four-year-olds will be entitled to 600 hours of funded early learning and childcare after a bill was lodged by the Scottish Government.

The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will put the measures into place for the first time in Scotland.

The document also pledges that looked after two-year-olds and those with a kinship care order will receive the same entitlement as three and four year olds and a named person for every child and young person from birth to safeguard and support their wellbeing.

Minister for children and young people Aileen Campbell also announced an extra £10 million to be shared between 45 organisations working with children, young people and families.

Labour shadow minister for children and young people Neil Bibby branded the announcement “unambitious” and claimed childcare problems “will not be solved with a six-year-old rehashed policy”.

Scottish Lib Dem spokesperson Liam McArthur added: “The SNP’s Bill fails to incorporate our sensible and costed plans to extend free childcare to 40% of two-year-olds.”