Commuters set to lose funded childcare places in Edinburgh

Plans to phase out funded childcare in private and independent nurseries to parents who live outside Edinburgh are being drawn up by council leaders.

Parents who commute into the capital but live in areas such as the Lothians and Fife will be affected if they use private or independent nurseries.

Campaigners said they were disappointed and concerned about the proposals.

Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day, said places would still be available in council-run nurseries.

He denied Edinburgh residents could also be phased out from accessing funded places in non-council nurseries.

Fears spread on social media after an official report went before councillors last month highlighting the benefits of "providing (the) service inhouse".

However, the council has now clarified the change only applies to people who live outside Edinburgh.

Social media 'misinformation'

Carole Erskine, head of policy and campaigns for mothers' rights charity Pregnant Then Screwed, said: "We're disappointed and concerned to see proposals from Edinburgh City Council to only offer funded hours in council-run nurseries for parents who use their funded hours in the city but don't live there.

"Taking this choice away will have a major impact on families and goes against Scottish government policies of enabling choice and Getting It Right For Every Child.

"Parents need certainty when it comes to childcare not the prospect of having to change their provision on the back of a hastily thought-up plan by Edinburgh City council."

Mr Day said: "Unfortunately there is some misinformation circulating on social media regarding the provision of our early years service.

"However I'd like to reassure all those who are concerned that the City of Edinburgh Council has no intention of removing the opportunity for our residents to access their funded hours in a private provider in partnership that meets the national standard for funded providers and delivers high quality early learning and childcare.

"Places will also be available in our local authority settings for children who live outside Edinburgh.

"We're increasing flexibility in our own settings with more full year 8am-6pm provision and the opportunity to purchase additional hours on top of the funded hours."