Thousands of Lanarkshire families are saving around £4,900 a year thanks to Scottish Government funding for early learning and childcare (ELC), according to Scottish Government statistics.

Legislation came into force in August 2021 to make the expanded 1140 hour offer available across Scotland.

Each council reported a 6% to 26% increase in the number of 2-5 year olds accessing funded ELCs compared to August 2021.

New figures show that 111,574 children secured funded ELC places at the end of January 2022, an increase of 20,684 (23%) since August 2021.

Of these, 88% (97,887 children) took advantage of the full offer of 1,140 hours of funded ELC courses per year.

The total saving for families from the 1140 hour offer is estimated at £4900 per child per year.

The offer is available for all children aged 3, 4 and 2 who need it the most.

Clare Haughey, Minister for Children and MSP for Rutherglen, told Lanarkshire Live: “It’s fantastic to see so many families accessing funded ELCs and realizing significant savings, especially at a time when so many are struggling with the rising cost of living.

“In addition to saving families money, the funded ELC brings real benefits to children. Access to free, high-quality early learning and childcare enriches children’s early years and gives them the skills and confidence to start school and beyond. It also supports the parents’ ability to work, train or study.

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