This information constitutes an appeal from the Scottish Private Nursery Association (SPNA).
The Scottish Private Nursery Association (SPNA) is a grassroots organisation representing the private and third sectors in Early Years education throughout Scotland. Our mission is to collaborate constructively with the Scottish Government and stakeholders who share an interest in ensuring the well-being of children from pre-birth to age 5 and beyond, as outlined in the "Getting It Right For Every Child" (GIRFEC) initiative.
While we acknowledge the Scottish Government's noble intentions to support children, bridge the poverty attainment gap, and assist families in work and education, we urgently call for a review of the flagship policy of providing 1,140 hours of funding. Currently, this funding does not directly follow the child, as the policy states. Instead, it is first allocated to local councils, who then determine the rates they pay to private providers and childminders. Shockingly, a recent inquiry revealed that Edinburgh Council retains £1,537 per child per year out of the allocated 1,140 funding budget, making Local Authorities both the financial intermediaries and competitors.
The consequences of this approach are unaffordable childcare, disparities in workforce compensation, and the closure of numerous nurseries, playgroups, and childminders. Despite years of sector concerns being voiced to the Scottish Government, Cosla, and Councils, there has been little response. Recently, seven nurseries in West Lothian resorted to legal action, incurring nearly £90,000 in costs, to ensure children received their entitled 1,140 funding or had to make the difficult choice of switching to other nursery options, often within council settings. This situation has caused emotional distress for countless children and families, imposed unnecessary financial burdens on providers, and heightened the injustice of the policy.
SPNA firmly believes that the "Affordable and Flexible Childcare" initiative has the potential to benefit many families, children, and the workforce across Scotland. To support our cause, we seek crowdfunding to engage solicitors and implore the Scottish Government to address these concerns urgently. We call for a review of the Statutory Guidance within the policy and urge collaboration and consultation on future ambitious initiatives such as funding for 1 to 2-year-olds and School After Care (SAC).
We recognise that this endeavor requires collective effort, and we kindly request your support through donations to our crowdfunding page. Any remaining funds will be contributed to a Scottish Children's Charity.
Thank you for your consideration.
