Scottish Government deserves parents’ thanks for childcare provision – Hayley Matthews

Parents seem to be getting lots more help and support right now and happy parents mean happy families, writes Hayley Matthews.

Nicola Sturgeon's government is expanding early years and childcare provision (Picture: PA)

I’m all for getting the support that is needed to be a happy parent and I am never shy in coming forward to ask for help. After all, who doesn’t want to be the ­happiest parent they can be?

I’m very grateful for the support I’ve been given recently, it’s been essential for me to be able to create a balance in a contented family life.

By far, one the most beneficial, hands-on sources of support has come in the form of an Early Years Nursery placement for little baby Oryn. I’ve had other support in the form of two wonderful women called Sharon and Vicky but they deserve an entire column dedicated to themselves – so let me tell you about them and their super powers next week.

But, seriously, the Early Years centre placement has saved me from a small breakdown and just last week I took home a letter about new early learning and childcare ­funding which is even better news. It really feels that parents are getting lots more help and support from the ­government just now – so thank you.

The news of the expansion in childcare hours for three, four, and some two-year-olds has come at a time when it’s needed by so many. In a nutshell – from August, all three and four-year-olds, and around a quarter of two-year-olds, will benefit from 1,140 hours of childcare a year. It’s great news for parents and carers of children and will support many families in need of extra help. It means getting back to work, studying, cleaning your house or even just taking a shower on your own – I know, imagine!

Unicorns and tractors

I’m happy to shout about ­anything from the rooftops that supports families with young children. Families having 30 hours of childcare will mean so much for so many and I think it’s a really positive step by the Scottish Government.

I’ve spoken to many parents whilst working on the campaign who have told me they are delighted at the generous offering but if you’re just learning about this now and haven’t enrolled your child, make sure you do it soon so you can get the support you’re entitled to. We’d all be daft not to take advantage of the full benefits.

Children in the funded placements will also receive a meal and I can just imagine them now, sitting round the table having a wee chat about unicorns and tractors. The dream!

August will be here before we know it, so for those with kids the right age it’s worth enrolling your little mini-mes so that they get the benefit as well as us adults too. I have Oryn in the Early Years Centre 15 hours a week but I will be taking full advantage of the 30 hours when we’re eligible.

I’ve said it before but a happy parent equals a happy family and what’s not to love about that? I’ve noticed with Oryn how being in an environment with other children has seen an improvement in his communication skills and confidence. So I’m a great believer in letting kids mix at a young age to bring on their development.

There are numerous options which parents and carers can choose from depending on what suits them – and depending what’s available locally. It’s going to be a massive help for us with little ones. I’ve been telling all my ­parent friends to get more information on the expansion of the early learning and childcare entitlement at parentclub.scot/elc and to enrol their kids before their local deadline!

I’ve been telling all my ­parent friends to get more information on the expansion of the early learning and childcare entitlement at parentclub.scot/elc and to enrol their kids before their local deadline!