Current status: Answered by Natalie Don-Innes on 20 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will make the right for children to access funded early learning and childcare in any part of Scotland a statutory right.
Local authorities have a statutory duty to make available funded ELC to the children residing within their own area and are also responsible for having regard to the statutory guidance requirements in relation to cross-boundary placements.
There are no current plans to amend legislation relating to local authorities’ statutory duties with respect Funded ELC during the remainder of this parliament.
To ensure families’ choice of provider is not limited by local authority boundaries, local authorities are encouraged to work with neighbouring areas through Funding Follows the Child guidance, developed jointly by COSLA and the Scottish Government.
I wrote to COSLA on 12 March 2026, highlighting the importance of this issue, and asking them to work in partnership with the next national Government to find solutions that work for all Scotland’s children and families.