Chamber and committees

As set out in the Programme for Government in early September, we will publish and consult on a blueprint for a transformed childcare offer in 2027, focussing on what matters most to families. Given the scale of our ambition to transform childcare, it is only right we take the time to develop that blueprint and we will publish it for consultation next year. Decisions on future delivery and costs will be considered through the appropriate parliamentary and budgetary processes.

As we develop our blueprint for the future, we are already making significant new investments in 2026-27, improving the affordability and flexibility of childcare and supporting access to work, education and training. Through the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, ‘Bringing Hope, Building Futures’, we are providing up to £15 million of funding during 2026-27 to support low income families with their childcare costs. This funding will start flowing to families in the next month, providing real practical help at key moments of challenge.

Delivery will be phased across the Parliamentary term, with families able to access breakfast clubs across Scotland from August 2027, and a new after school and holiday childcare offer for primary school children available from August 2029.