Glasgow pledge to lead UK with nurseries nearby

The Herald reports that parents will have access to year-round nursery provision 'within buggy walking distance from their homes' in what has been described as the UK's most comprehensive and flexible childcare service.

In a radical overhaul of its childhood services across the next five years, Glasgow City Council is aiming to increase the entitlement to free education for all 3- and 4-year-olds from 12.5 hours to 15 hours, and by 2009 half of all eligible parents should have access to school and community-based childcare for 5-14-year-olds.

Parents would be able to book the hours they need and contribute towards the cost where required.

Within the next two years Glasgow City Council is also attempting to offer children, young people and their families access to sports, music, play and other activities by keeping schools open from 8 am until at least 6 pm. The scheme, when fully operational, will cost £10 million a year, with most of the money being reallocated from other areas and from the ongoing streamlining of senior management within the education department.

Herald article: Glasgow pledge to lead UK with nurseries nearby