Question reference: S6W-02630
- Asked by: James Dornan, MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 30 August 2021
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Clare Haughey on 31 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of COVID-19 on the financial sustainability of childcare providers in Scotland.
Answer
The Scottish Government has today (31 August) published the Financial Sustainability Health Check of the Childcare Sector in Scotland .
This exercise has collected evidence on the sustainability of the childcare sector, in particular in light of the impacts of COVID-19. The Health Check has been informed by evidence and analysis from: detailed surveys of childcare providers; in-depth case study interviews with a range of providers; discussions with provider representative bodies; and analysis of trends in registration data. A supporting Analysis and Evidence paper has also been published.
As part of this exercise we have also collected updated information from all local authorities on the sustainable rates that they have set for providers in the private, third and childminding sectors to deliver funded early learning and childcare.
The Health Check sets out a range of actions that we will now work with the sector and delivery partners to progress. The actions will build on the substantial targeted financial support made available to the sector since March 2020, actions already being progressed, and aligning, where possible, with economy-wide support measures.