Press Release
17th November 1999
"Inverclyde’s children are the winners" under National Childcare Strategy
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has welcomed the childcare boost which Inverclyde has been given under the National Childcare Strategy. The extra cash announced by Minister for Children’s Issues, Sam Galbraith will ensure that the quality of care is improved, more families are able to afford childcare and that there are more childcare places and better information about what is available.
Commenting on the launch, Mr McNeil said:
"Inverclyde’s children are hands-down winners today. This initiative will ensure good quality, affordable childcare for children aged 0 to 14 ultimately in every neighbourhood. This includes formal childcare, such as playgroups, out of school clubs and childminders. And it includes support for informal childcare, for example relatives or friends looking after children.
"Under the scheme, Inverclyde is set to get £175,000. This is a 71% increase of £73,000. Of this £175,000 cash injection, £76,000 will be spent on providing extra childcare places and sustaining the places we already have. This is an increase of £52,000 – a massive 217%. The remaining £99,000 will be spent on childcare infrastructure. This includes support for the Inverclyde Childcare Partnership and the provision of an information line and is a 27% increase of £21,000.
"These are substantial sums by anyone’s standards and I am sure that parents, children and childcare workers will join me in welcoming this bold initiative."
These funds are in addition to the £250,000 which Inverclyde was awarded under the Sure Start programme. This is an initiative to assist parents of very young children and give their children the best possible start in life.
ENDS
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