Moray SNP News

1512 CHILDREN IN MORAY BENEFIT FROM FREE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE

FAMILIES IN MORAY SAVE ON AVERAGE £5,000 ON CHILDCARE COSTS 

The number of children benefitting from free early learning and childcare in Moray stands at 1512, saving the average family £5,000 per eligible child on childcare costs.

Among the children who are eligible, 70 eligible two-year-olds and 1306 three to four year olds in Moray are taking up the 1140 hours on offer.

Across Scotland, 83,237 children aged between two and five were accessing the full 1140 hours of ELC for free.

Figures also show the number of children accessing free ELC has increased by 3% on the previous year.

Commenting, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said:

“Scotland is the only part of the UK to offer 1140 hours of free childcare to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.

“This has saved families in Moray around £5,000 per eligible child, which is a significant saving at a time when costs are skyrocketing as a result of the Tory-made cost of living crisis.

“Childcare also benefits children too by enriching their early years and giving them the confidence and skills they need to prepare them for school.

“The Scottish Government continues to provide support for families in Moray and across Scotland with measures like this and other support like the Scottish Child Payment, which will be extended to all eligible under-16s by the end of the year.”