Families in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will benefit from a share of almost £1 billion of Scottish Government investment in free childcare, SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, has said.

Following extensive engagement to reach a shared understanding of the costs of the expansion, Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders have reached agreement on a multi-year funding package. 

The Scottish Government will invest an additional £567 million per year by 2021-22, bringing total spending on early learning and childcare to around £990 million. 

All three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds, will be entitled to 1,140 hours of free childcare each year – effectively mirroring the primary school week. 

In addition, the Scottish Government will provide councils with total capital funding of £476 million over four years to support associated buildings projects.  

Commenting, Christina McKelvie SNP, MSP, said:

“South Lanarkshire council and the families within this area, will benefit from our share of almost £1 billion funding each year to support our ambitious expansion of free childcare.

“The SNP is determined to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up – and our childcare expansion will be of enormous help to families with young children.