The continuation of the ‘Vulnerable 2’s’ service had been under threat following the announcement last month by the Scottish Government to end funding of this successful pilot project. The childcare places had been funded by the previous Scottish Executive.

Councillors took the decision to allocate almost £1million to ensure that two-year-olds from vulnerable family backgrounds in Glasgow will continue to have the opportunity to start at nursery one year early. The extra year helps with the children’s communication, behaviour, and basic numeracy and literacy skills so that they are at the same stage as other children when they start at primary school. The approved funding means that the number of childcare places for vulnerable children aged under-3 will now be increased from 435 to now cater for around 500 children.

Bailie Gordon Matheson, Executive Member for Education and Social Renewal is delighted that the Executive Committee approved his funding proposal. 

Following the meeting, Bailie Matheson said: “It is deeply regrettable that the Scottish Government has chosen not to continue childcare funding for children aged under-3 from vulnerable backgrounds. Nonetheless, the political leadership of Glasgow City Council still regards this service as a priority and a very valuable investment in our children’s future.

“The overall  ‘pot’ of money we receive from the Scottish Government now does not include funding for childcare for vulnerable children aged under-3 and therefore Glasgow has had to find the money from other Council resources, despite the tight overall budget settlement. We believe that support at an early stage will give all of our children the best possible start in life and will pay dividends for us all in years to come.”

Glasgow, North Ayrshire and Dundee Councils were chosen by the former Scottish Executive in July 2006 to be part of the pilot project to offer the free places to families of two-year-olds who were in need of additional support, for example because the parents themselves require health or social work services. Evaluation of the pilot project is still to be officially published by the Scottish Government but the initiative has proved very successful in Glasgow.

In additional to the main Council funding, Radio Clyde’s Cash for Kids charity has provided £200,000 towards the Glasgow project. This additional money has been used by the Council to employ three family support workers.