Shortage in childcare facilities

Concerns have been raised that an island-wide shortage of child minders and pre-school facilities is preventing mothers from going out to work.

Families face the challenge of juggling work with childcare commitments.

MSP Alasdair Allan met with affected parents who are seeking an increase in childcare provison.

Alasdair Allan commented: “One message that was very clear is that women in particular will only have a chance to re-enter the workplace when adequate childcare options are available to them.

“The Scottish Government is increasing the amount of free child care to 600 hours a year with a plan to dramatically increase this in the next Parliament if re-elected.

"There does seem to be a particular shortage in provision in the islands at the moment which I hope these changes will address in the future.

"For the moment though, I am keen that the council gets the chance to meet these families and hear their concerns. I hope to arrange a meeting of this kind soon.”

Cllr Kenny Macleod, who was also at the meeting, said: "“While much is improving for childcare, there are clearly still shortages locally in Lewis and Harris, not least in my own ward.

“I am keen, for instance, to hear if consideration can be given to offering child care provisions to those considering working as home carers given the staff shortages in this area just now.”

Shortage of childcare facilities

19 January 2016