The dire lack of suitable childcare in Uist and Barra has led to the establishment of a new group in effort to seek a solution.
Childcare provision is a major issue across all of the Western Isles where parents
struggle to find spaces for pre-school children.
In some areas, infants are being denied their full entitlement of around 30 hours a week of early learning and childcare funded by the Scottish Government and to be supplied by the local authority.
Problems in securing a nursery or childminder place is particularly acute in Uist and Barra due to low number of providers in the area.
If it wasn’t for informal childcare arrangements, particularly from grandparents and family stepping in, the situation would be much more difficult.
Juggling care responsibilities with work affect women far more than men.
Many mums are simply unable to return to work or take up a new job - yet at the same
time numerous island businesses are desperate for more people to join the workforce.
The Uist and Barra Childcare Forum held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday.
The forum was hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Comunn Na Gaidhlig, NHS, Cothrom, and UCVO.
Members discussed a range of issues around childcare provision, including holiday and wraparound care needed for working parents and families looking to move to the islands.
Promoting recruitment to the childcare sector was also discussed, and the need for
a localised and multi-agency approach to this.
Nicola Macdonald, development manager with HIE’s Outer Hebrides team, said: “At the moment there is a real shortage of childcare provision across Uist and Barra.
“If this can be addressed, it will help support growth and jobs in many local businesses and possibly attract new people into the area.”
Tackling the issue collaboratively with other agencies “gives us the best chance of success,” she explained.
“The group brings together people who can potentially help deliver childcare through engagement with communities where provision is lacking or vulnerable.
“Together we will explore solutions, share knowledge and good practice, and identify necessary actions.”
Bid to tackle childcare crisis in Uist and Barra
26 April 2024
