Maree Todd MSP to host childcare surgeries locally
The surgeries aim to ensure that rural and island communities have a meaningful voice in shaping the new national policy.
Maree Todd MSP will be holding a series of drop-in surgeries to hear directly from those with experience of the childcare system. She will be at Ardgay Public Hall on Friday 12th June from 1-2pm.
Highlands & Islands MSP Maree Todd will host a series of drop-in surgeries across the region focused on childcare, as work begins on the SNP’s commitment to expand funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC).
Since 2021, families across Scotland have benefited from 1,140 hours of funded high-quality ELC each year — support worth up to £6,000 per eligible child annually. The SNP has now committed to expanding childcare provision further, with plans for a year-round childcare offer from nine months old through to the end of primary school, backed by more than £500 million of additional investment.
The upcoming surgeries are intended to ensure that the voices of rural and island communities are central to the development of the policy.
Maree Todd is encouraging residents to come along to share their experiences, discuss the challenges facing childcare in their community, or put forward ideas about how the expansion of funded childcare can work effectively for families in rural and island areas.
Maree Todd MSP said: “This is a hugely ambitious and potentially transformative policy which could make a real difference to families, while also supporting greater participation in the workforce and helping our local economies across the region to grow.
“However, we know that the challenges facing childcare provision in the Highlands & Islands are often very different from those experienced elsewhere in Scotland. Many communities are dealing with the impacts of depopulation, workforce shortages and, in some cases, difficulties sustaining services because of low population levels.
“That is why it is so important that national policy reflects rural and island realities. Greater flexibility in how childcare is delivered could help address some of these challenges, but it is essential that rural voices are heard with parents, families and providers involved in shaping how this policy develops.”
The first set of surgeries that will take place in Sutherland on Friday the 12th of June are as follow:
- Brora Hub – 09:30-10:30am
- Golspie – YMCA Building – 11am - 12pm
- Ardgay – Committee Room, Ardgay Hall – 1pm - 2pm
- Kinlochbervie – Village Hub – 3:30pm -4:30pm
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