Closed petition PE1907: Provide funded early learning & childcare for all 2-year olds in Scotland
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to provide funded early learning and childcare for all 2 year olds, removing eligibility criteria for access to services.
Previous action taken
I have previously been in contact with Fergus Ewing MSP who advised me the idea was sound and to begin a petition for the matter.
Background information
Currently, the availability of early learning and childcare funding for 2-year-old children depends on certain eligibility criteria, such as their parents being in receipt of benefits or being vulnerable.
Lockdown babies especially have suffered from lack of play experiences, meeting peers, and opportunities that other children have always had. Enabling this new generation the chance to have funded nursery at 2 years old will greatly increase their potential. It will also help a lot of parents that are struggling financially as a result of Covid-19 job loss, for example.
As an early years practitioner I know what these babies have missed out on. Children have experienced facial expressions covered up in shops when normally they'd be smiled at, cancelled then limited baby groups, and soft play closed for 18 months. These kids need the chance to catch up on play and learning spaces they have missed out on.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
142 signatures