Stacey Will, mum-of-one and founder at the Personal Growth Collective, and Julie Fraser, a fellow parent who works for Aberdeenshire Council, has revealed that their petition (which aims to secure high quality funded childcare from nine-months-old for all families in Scotland) will be considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Currently at almost 8,500 signatures, the petition is clearly already making waves. But today’s news is a big step forward. It will see the petition being reviewed by the people who could recommend that it is debated in Parliament.
Stacey explains: “Childcare is a critical issue not only for parents but for the future of our society in Scotland. Affordable, quality childcare opens up opportunities for women to fully engage in their careers. And this has a direct impact on gender equality and economic growth. By supporting this petition, you’re pushing for a future where every family, no matter their circumstances, can access the support they need.”
Julie continues: “I firmly believe that high quality funded childcare from nine-months-old for all would have a powerful domino effect throughout the country – reducing child poverty, boosting the economy and growing employment.”
To boost visibility of the petition, the pair have secured the support of the Scottish Women’s Budget Group (SWBG).
Carmen Martínez, policy and engagement lead at SWBG, said: “Scotland has some of the world’s highest childcare costs for one- and two-year-olds. Our own survey data shows that due to these costs women often make decisions against their careers or career development to take on caring responsibilities. In other cases, parents incur debt or use their savings to afford childcare, putting families at financial risk and fuelling gender inequality. Increasing funding is crucial to correct this.”
Speaking directly to parents in Scotland, Stacey adds: “You have the power transform the Scottish Government’s approach to childcare funding. It just takes two clicks and one signature. Let’s make a big difference together!”
The petition can be accessed here: Fund early learning and childcare from 9 months - Petitions (parliament.scot)