We, the undersigned, call for fair and equal access to funded early learning and childcare for families in Scotland. 

Working parents in England can now receive 30 hours of government-funded childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years, from the term a child turns 9 months old. In Scotland, by contrast, most children are not eligible for funded childcare until age 3, except in limited circumstances. 

This creates a clear inequality of support for families with young children. Full-time childcare for a child under two now costs around £1,122 per month - or £12,955 per year - in Scotland, consuming over 60% of a minimum wage earner's take-home pay of £1,783 after tax. Meanwhile, families in England pay up to £7,500 less a year. These costs force many parents, especially mothers, out of work or prevent career progression, while denying children access to high-quality early learning at a critical stage.

We believe that families in Scotland should also be entitled to funded childcare from the age of 9 months, in line with the support offered in England. 
 
We therefore petition the Scottish Government to: 

• Extend funded early learning and childcare to children from 9 months of age. 
• Guarantee access for all working parents, not only those in exceptional circumstances. 
• Set out a clear, fully funded timetable for delivery across Scotland. 
   

By signing this petition, we urge the Scottish Government to act now to support families, strengthen equality of opportunity, and invest in Scotland's future.

Please write to your local MSP using the letter template provided below to further support the cause. 

Find out who your local MSP is: Your Local MSP

Letter template: Template