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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 24 April 2025

24 Apr 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Rural Early Learning and Childcare
Education and Skills
Don-Innes, Natalie SNP Renfrewshire North and West Watch on SPTV

The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that rural schools and nurseries play in sustaining local communities. I remind the member that responsibility for decisions about local provision rests with local councils. Any closure, temporary or permanent, should be considered in consultation with local people.

We are currently reviewing guidance on mothballing to provide greater clarity on when it is an appropriate action to take. That will ensure that local decisions are based on effective engagement with the community, better reflect the needs of rural families and help to maintain access to early learning in those communities.

I expect the local authority to be engaging with families in the area to ensure that the ELC provision is fit to meet their needs.

In the same item of business

2. Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Con
To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring access to early learning and childcare for families in rural areas, in light of reports of recent nursery c...
The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise (Natalie Don-Innes) SNP
Access to high-quality, accessible and affordable early learning and childcare is vital for our rural communities. That is why the Scottish Government funds ...
Alexander Burnett Con
There are currently four nurseries being mothballed in Aberdeenshire, just as Tullynessle school was last year, even though it was expected to be full. Paren...
Natalie Don-Innes SNP
The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that rural schools and nurseries play in sustaining local communities. I remind the member that responsibil...
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD) LD
The last two private nurseries in the east neuk of Fife have closed, removing the flexible childcare that parents desperately need in order to stay in work. ...
Natalie Don-Innes SNP
I assume that Mr Rennie is referring to the gap in funding in relation to the issues between the local authority and private nurseries. I have been clear to ...