Election 2021: The SNP is set to announce a 'wraparound childcare system' including for all one and two year olds but some families will have to pay

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross’ SNP candidate Maree Todd has revealed the SNP is plotting a "transformative" change to childcare in Scotland if elected.

The party is set to announce in its manifesto today proposals for a "wraparound childcare system" that provides care before and after school, all year round.

Families on low incomes will pay nothing while those who are better off will be expected to make a fair and affordable contribution.

The SNP will also expand free early years education to all one and two year olds – with children from low-income households set to benefit first.

This follows the SNP’s roll-out of 1140 hours of fully funded early learning and childcare to all thre and four year olds and around a quarter of two year olds, which is set to be completed in August this year.

SNP candidate and the Scottish Government minister for children and young people Maree Todd said: “The SNP’s plans to provide a wraparound childcare system and further expand early learning and childcare will be transformative for families here in the Highlands.

“We know that a real challenge for women returning to work is high childcare costs. Figures show that gender inequality is exaggerated here in the Highlands, with women under-employed and men more likely to hold higher paid positions.

“The SNP’s plans will not only improve women’s workplace opportunities, work to close the gender pay gap and increase family finances, but it will provide substantial job opportunities in the childcare sector working to increase the number of people in work, giving a boost to the economy.

“The last year has been extremely tough on families throughout the Highlands. As we look to recover, supporting families has to be front and centre. The SNP has a proven track record of delivering on this and we’re committed to going even further."

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