Carol Ball

Good quality, publicly funded childcare makes a fundamental contribution to the economy and cuts in childcare services have had a disproportionate impact on women’s lives. Congress supported a range of measures to challenge the cuts in childcare places in Scotland and to campaign for the Scottish Government to expand investment in childcare as part of its economic strategy.

Supporting the motion, UNISON’s Carol Ball, herself an Early Years worker, told Congress that parents want high quality, flexible and reasonably priced childcare that meets both the needs of the child and offers parents the opportunity to have a real choice as to what job they do, and supports their career progression.

However the rising cost of child care is the greatest barrier for most in accessing childcare and therefore work. Carol pointed to the Panorama programme which highlighted the wide range of costs across Scotland, “with some childcare providers charging over £11,000 per year per child, more than some people earn.”

“This is totally unacceptable,” slammed Carol. “’Getting it right for every child’ and the early intervention framework are key Scottish Government policies which recognise the importance of giving children the best possible start in life.

She welcomed the pledges from Labour and the SNP to expand childcare in Scotland but warned that it is now time to act and make them a reality.

“There are sound economic arguments for moving to a universal entitlement of early childhood education and care, publicly funded and provided to improve the lives of families in Scotland.”