Maree Todd has welcomed new plans to expand childcare provision, describing it as one of the most important investments in Scotland’s economy.
The SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross said the proposal would extend childcare to every child from nine months old through to the end of primary school.
The policy, backed by more than £500 million in investment, aims to increase access for families while supporting parents to return to work.
It also includes provision during school holidays, addressing one of the key gaps highlighted by families across Scotland.
The expansion builds on existing childcare support, which the SNP says already saves families thousands of pounds each year.
Maree Todd said:
“The SNP has transformed childcare in Scotland since coming to office, with our current provision saving families around £6,000 per year.
“But we want to go further and finish the job.
“We’ve listened to what families have told us about the challenges they face, particularly during the school holidays.
“That’s why a re-elected SNP Government will extend childcare for every child from 9 months old to the end of Primary School, including during the school holidays.”
Todd said the impact would be particularly significant in the Highlands, where workforce challenges and depopulation remain ongoing concerns.
Maree Todd said:
“Investing in childcare is one of the most important investments we can make in our economy.
“When we support parents with funded, flexible childcare, we’re helping them to return to work, build their careers and support their families.
“In the Highlands, where we are facing real challenges with depopulation, this matters even more.
“We need to make it possible for people to stay here, to build a life here, and to work in the jobs our communities rely on, from our NHS and schools to local businesses.
“This transformational expansion of childcare will help address these challenges by enabling Highland parents to work without the burden of high childcare costs or gaps in support during the school holidays.”
The proposal forms part of a wider approach to economic growth, linking childcare provision directly to employment, skills and long term sustainability.
