Addressing the Postcode Lottery of Early Learning and Childcare Provision

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the importance of funded early learning and childcare in giving every child in Scotland the best start in life; believes that funded places have a vital part to play in helping parents return to work and boosting Scotland’s economy; considers that the high cost of childcare is creating real barriers for parents who want to get back into work; understands with regret that many local authorities in the West Scotland region, including Inverclyde Council, North Ayrshire Council and East Dunbartonshire Council, only offer funded places from the start of the term after a child’s third birthday, leaving some families missing out on up to four months of support; considers that this postcode lottery stems from the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare Statutory Guidance, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to guarantee that funded places are available from the day after a child’s third birthday, and that children are treated fairly, no matter where they live or when they are born.