Bold Action On Childcare

A Green MSP says it's essential childcare is kept high on the Scottish political agenda.

Charities including Barnardo's and Children First have joined forces to call for flexible childcare to be offered to parents who go out to work or study.

There are currently 33 nurseries across Fife providing flexible hours.

Alison Johnstone says the Scottish Government must be 'bolder' in its approach to offer flexible childcare hours, whilke working alongside councils and the UK government said:

"It is essential we keep childcare high on the political agenda as Scotland's current system is patchy, inflexible, and one of the most expensive in Europe. By challenging the Scottish Government to be bolder, and by working constructively with others at Holyrood I am sure we can make progress to improve the situation.

"We must remember at the centre of this are children, so we need to invest in high quality training and properly paid staff to deliver an experience that really benefits the child. The benefits for parents in terms of access to employment and education are well understood.

"As well as finding common ground at a political level we must strive for a joined up approach across local, Scottish and UK Governments."