Question reference: S5W-24851
- Asked by: Alison Harris, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 22 August 2019
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 20 September 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the assertion that those local authorities that have adopted the cost-modelling approach following the publishing of the guidance for setting out sustainable rates from August 2020 have not delivered a fair or sustainable funding rate for private, voluntary and independent childcare providers.
Answer
As highlighted in the answer to S5W-23088 the four potential approaches set out in Section 5 of Funding Follows the Child and the National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare Providers: Guidance for Setting Sustainable Rates from August 2020 would support local authorities to establish an average rate for the cost of Early Learning and Childcare in their area, all of which could deliver a fair and sustainable rate for funded providers.
However, as set out in section 5.4 of the Guidance document (on Cost Modelling), it is imperative that where mechanisms or formulas are used, these are clearly set out and explained. Additionally, the local authority should record and be transparent with regards to what has been taken into consideration during the process and what has been omitted, including the reasons for this.