Current status: Answered by Natalie Don-Innes on 24 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support local authorities to facilitate access to 1,140 hours of funded childcare in situations where childcare is required in a different local authority area from a family's main residence.
Local authorities hold the statutory duty to make 1,140 hours of funded ELC available to eligible children residing within their own area, and are also responsible for meeting the statutory guidance requirements in relation to cross-boundary placements.
Statutory guidance is clear that, wherever possible, education authorities should make arrangements that ensure families accessing cross-boundary placements are treated on the same basis as families accessing provision in their own local authority area.
To ensure families’ choice of provider is not limited by local authority boundaries, we encourage local authorities to work with neighbouring areas through Funding Follows the Child guidance, developed jointly by COSLA and the Scottish Government.
The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise continues to engage with local government representatives on this issue to encourage Councils to work together to find cross-border solutions that support children, families and providers.