Moray SNP News

CHILDCARE PROVISION IN MORAY

Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead, has written to Moray Council’s Chief Executive in relation to childcare provision in Moray, having been contacted by parents and business representatives who have been impacted upon by the inability of parents to secure suitable childcare for their children.  

Mr Lochhead expressed his concern that a range of factors are causing problems, such as the cost of living crisis forcing people to have to work more and the pandemic which has seen changes in provision.

Moray’s MSP said:

“I’m receiving correspondence from a number of people who seem to be experiencing a variety of issues in relation to childcare provision.

“My understanding is that for some, it is becoming increasingly difficult to access suitable childcare in their communities and that the implications are far-reaching.

“I gather the lack of availability applies to both the 0-2 and 2-5 age groups and that there are numerous factors such as a lack of childminders, the impact of the pandemic, the cost of living crisis forcing people to have to work more and businesses struggling to find staff because the potential employees can’t secure adequate care, to name some examples.

“Massive strides have been taken - the Scottish Government has invested heavily in providing 1140 hours to all 3 and 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds so the fact that parents still face challenges highlights the scale of the task.

“I have therefore written to Moray Council’s Chief Executive seeking a profile on childcare provision and availability in Moray including details of providers, waiting lists, raw figures and what the shortage means for Moray.”