Gordon Matheson today pledged a massive extension of childcare provision in Glasgow if the Labour council is re-elected in May, in a move worth up to £1,500 for families with young children.

Glasgow was the first council in Scotland to provide childcare for three-year olds.

On a visit to the Dove Street Nursery in Nitshill with Johann Lamont and Harriet Harman, Gordon Matheson pledged a major extension of the scheme.

At present, children in Glasgow receive 15 hours a week starting at the beginning of the term after their third birthday. If re-elected, Labour will change this so every child will get a funded childcare place at the start of the term in which they turn three.

It is estimated that over 7,000 children a year will benefit from the change.

Labour Leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson, said:

”Glasgow was the first council in Scotland to offer 15 hours of free childcare to three year olds, but I want our city to stay ahead of the game. Childcare is vital in helping parents, especially women, get back into the job market.

“I am delighted to unveil this pledge, and it will see almost every child born in Glasgow start their free childcare early. This is a massive boost for them, for their parents and for our city. Childcare is an issue of social justice for families and is at the heart of Labour’s plans.”

Scottish Labour Leader, Johann Lamont, welcomed the pledge:

“Too often there is a gap between the rhetoric of what politicians say and the reality facing families. By contrast this is a real, concrete scheme that will support thousands of children in Glasgow, and their families. Even in good economic times, access to childcare is one of the biggest barriers stopping women coming back to the workplace. When times are tough, childcare is even more important.

”One of the first things the SNP did after winning power was to scrap important schemes aimed at expanding childcare to vulnerable two year olds. That was a disgraceful decision. Labour in Glasgow deserves significant praise for their commitment to developing and expanding childcare across the city.”

Harriet Harman MP said:

”Childcare needs to be local, affordable and flexible, and is absolutely critical in helping mums who want to return to work. For decades, Glasgow has led the way on how the council provides childcare and helps, and this development will be a real help to many families in the city. Gordon Matheson is to be congratulated on setting out a vision for childcare in Glasgow and the steps needed to make it a reality.”

24 February 2012