Public Audit Committee
Early learning and childcare: Progress on delivery of the 1,140 hours expansion
Background
On 1 June 2023, the Auditor General for Scotland published Early learning and childcare: Progress on delivery of the 1,140 hours expansion.
The report says:
"This is a flagship policy which underpins broader ambitions to reduce child poverty and to support economic transformation. Around £1 billion is invested in it annually. But the sector is fragile. Budget pressures and risks around workforce and the sustainability of funded providers, such as private nurseries and childminders, risk limiting flexibility and choice for families, which are important to achieving the intended policy outcomes".
Read the report on Audit Scotland's website
Information about the Public Audit Committee's consideration of the report can be found below.
Meetings
15 June 2023
The Committee took evidence from:
Stephen Boyle, the Auditor General for Scotland; Tricia Meldrum, Senior Manager; Rebecca Smallwood, Audit Manager, Audit Scotland; and Sophie Flemig, Member, Accounts Commission.
Read the agenda and meeting papers, 15 June 2023
Read the Official Report, 15 June 2023
Read the meeting minutes, 15 June 2023
Decision: The Committee agreed to invite the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to give oral evidence at a future meeting.
5 October 2023
The Committee took evidence from:
Neil Rennick, Director-General Education and Justice; Eleanor Passmore, Deputy Director Early Learning and Childcare, Scottish Government; and
Matthew Sweeney, Policy Manager, Children and Young People; and Joanna Anderson, Policy Manager, Finance and Local Government team, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
Followed by:
Stephen Boyle, the Auditor General for Scotland; Tricia Meldrum, Senior Manager; and Rebecca Smallwood, Audit Manager, Audit Scotland.
Read the agenda and meeting papers, 5 October 2023
Read the Official Report, 5 October 2023
Read the meeting minutes, 5 October 2023
Decision: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government and the National Day Nursery Association on issues raised during the meeting.