Scottish Government investment welcomed by MSP
The Scottish Government has announced that there will be an extra £1.5 million investment for more nursery teachers and graduates throughout Scotland.
The new staff in South Lanarkshire, part of 435 nationwide, is part of the wider strategy of tackling the attainment gap and giving every child an equal start in life. The provision of high qualified childcare professionals will ensure that South Lanarkshire young people benefit from the highest quality care and early years’ education.
The Scottish Government is taking decisive action to improve early years learning and childcare, including expanding guaranteed free provision to 1140 hours by 2020.
Local MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Christina McKelvie, has revealed that South Lanarkshire are set to receive 26 additional teachers or graduates under the scheme.
Commenting, Christina said:
“This new funding is very welcome news for South Lanarkshire, helping to ensure that more children in our most deprived communities are able to benefit from specialised childcare and high quality early years learning.
“The Scottish Government is committed to closing the attainment gap. We believe that targeting funding in this way, as well as expanding the guaranteed free childcare provision to 1140 hours by 2020, is important in making this happen - to ensure that every child across South Lanarkshire gets an equal start in life.
“The 26 new graduates or teachers that will be joining our inspirational workforce will help improve childcare provision in our communities, and I look forward to seeing the Scottish Government continue to invest in our children’s futures.”