Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 08 May 2025
08 May 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
General Question Time
Nursery Mothballing (National Guidance)
I find the situation that Mr Burnett has brought to my attention very concerning. We expect local authorities to consult parents, carers and families to ensure that they meet local needs in relation to childcare. We want all families to have access to high-quality and flexible childcare that meets their needs. Of course, we understand that local authorities must have a level of flexibility when it comes to managing their estate. The need for such flexibility might be prompted by, for example, demographic changes.
I have already alluded to the review of the mothballing guidance, but I am more than happy to discuss Mr Burnett’s concerns in the context of the review.
In the same item of business
3. Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Con)
Con
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister’s recent comments regarding the mothballing of nurseries, what systems are in place to ensure l...
The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise (Natalie Don-Innes)
SNP
Local authorities are responsible for the management of their early learning and childcare estate. Statutory guidance sets out the Scottish Government’s expe...
Alexander Burnett
Con
As the minister knows, it was announced just before Easter that four nurseries in Aberdeenshire would be mothballed. When the issue was raised in the chamber...
Natalie Don-Innes
SNP
I find the situation that Mr Burnett has brought to my attention very concerning. We expect local authorities to consult parents, carers and families to ensu...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
The minister has alluded to the fact that, two weeks ago, the First Minister said that the Government was reviewing the guidance. Given that Conservative-led...
Natalie Don-Innes
SNP
I appreciate Ms Grahame’s and other members’ concerns about the matter. As the First Minister highlighted, it is important that greater clarity is provided o...