SOSCN's Response to Scottish Government Budget

Although yesterday's budget is perceived to be all doom and gloom, there was a ray of hope: the government announced an additional investment of £5 million to support voluntary sector early years services, which of course includes out of school care.

Irene Audain, SOSCN Chief Executive said, " I welcome the announcement of a further investment of £5 million to support third sector organisations delivering early years services, although, I await the finer details of this.

Of the 1000+ out of school care services in Scotland over half are third sector organisations,many of whom are struggling in this financial climate, without statutory duties on councils to support them; either in direct funding or infrastructure support.

In terms of further capital investment in the schools estate, this may be a golden opportunity to ensure that new or refurbished schools have plans built in to ensure that there is(free or low costs) space for the delivery of the complementary service school age childcare provides for children, parents, school and community.

School age childcare services are doubly important in tough financial times,first as a lifeline for parents struggling to stay employed, and we also need to think about supporting more places, for vulnerable children, affected by poverty or disability, as the wider UK welfare cuts may impact heavily on their families."