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The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Team
Under consideration PE2112: Conduct an independent review of childcare costs and availability in Scotland.
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to commission an independent review of publicly-funded early learning and childcare in Scotland, in order to better understand and address the challenges families face when trying to secure and afford childcare.
Background information
The charity, Pregnant Then Screwed, conducted a survey looking at childcare in Scotland. Over 2600 parents responded, with 83.7% of parents saying their childcare costs are the same or more than their income. 71% of mothers, and 50% of fathers, say it doesn’t make financial sense for them to work. Our survey also found that 4 in 10 women in Scotland who have terminated a pregnancy say the cost of childcare was the primary reason for their decision.
It is time for the Scottish Parliament to look in depth at the early learning and childcare system in Scotland. Until we have a good understanding of why our childcare system is failing families, we will never have effective solutions.
3,624 signatures
This petition is now under consideration
Click here for further information about the consideration of this petition.