Increasing the hours of free early learning and child care provision - An exploratory analysis of parents' views on the proposed increase to 1140 hours per year

This report provides the analysis of an exploratory survey conducted by Education Analytical Services within the Scottish Government on the views of 4485 parents of 3 and 4 year olds on the proposed increase, by 2020, of free early learning and child care hours.


5. Results

Table 1A: Current use of the free child care entitlement by pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status

Formal childcare use pattern (%) Working adults in the house Marital status
Question Response Total (%) Non user Low user Medium user High User No working adults 1 working adult 2 or more working adults Couple Single parent
Do you currently use the free early learning and childcare entitlement for your 3 or 4 year old child? n=4485 n=187 n=2640 n=730 n=772 n=147 n=1186 n=3136 n=3528 n=348
Yes 3876 (86.4) 0.0% 91.5% 88.1% 85.8% 81.6% 85.2% 87.1% 87.0% 80.9%
No 501 (11.2) 92.0% 6.1% 10.3% 11.9% 12.2% 11.6% 10.9% 10.9% 14.0%
I don’t know 108 (2.4) 8.0% 2.4% 1.6% 2.3% 6.1% 3.2% 1.9% 2.1% 5.1%
How do you use this entitlement? n=3868 n=0 n=2412 n=642 n=659 n=120 n=1011 n=2725 n=3520 n=348
Local Authority nursery 2280 (58.9) 0.0% 76.9% 24.5% 28.5% 83.3% 68.3% 54.3% 58.4% 64.7%
Private nursery provider (including not for profit providers). 1257 (32.5) 0.0% 19.7% 52.3% 57.1% 15.8% 25.8% 35.7% 32.7% 30.5%
Both 331 (8.6) 0.0% 3.4% 23.2% 14.4% 0.8% 5.8% 9.9% 8.9% 4.9%
Why don’t you use free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old child? N=501 n=172 n=162 n=75 n=92 n=18 n=137 n=343 n=441 n=60
Childcare providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. 88 (17.6) 6.4% 16.0% 22.7% 37.0% 16.7% 13.1% 19.5% 18.4% 11.7%
My child has additional support needs and I would not be able to access the quality of child care they would need. 4 (0.8) 1.2% 1.2% 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% 0.7% 0.6% 0.7% 1.7%
Not enough availability of places within my area. 128 (25.5) 25.6% 19.8% 20.0% 40.2% 38.9% 25.5% 24.8% 26.1% 21.7%
I do not feel that local childcare provision is of a high enough quality. 16 (3.2) 2.3% 3.7% 2.7% 4.3% 0.0% 4.4% 2.9% 2.9% 5.0%
There is no free provision during school holidays. 71 (14.2) 7.6% 11.7% 17.3% 28.3% 22.2% 5.1% 17.5% 14.1% 15.0%
I would still need some private child care. 129 (25.7) 12.2% 22.2% 38.7% 46.7% 11.1% 19.0% 29.4% 25.9% 25.0%
Myself/partner prefers to look after our own child. 49 (9.8) 19.8% 9.3% 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% 19.7% 5.8% 10.7% 3.3%
I prefer for a family member to look after my child 19 (3.8) 7.0% 3.1% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0% 2.9% 4.4% 4.1% 1.7%
I do not qualify for other childcare costs support 39 (7.8) 7.6% 8.6% 5.3% 8.7% 5.6% 7.3% 8.2% 7.9% 6.7%
Child is 3 but will not be able to commence free entitlement until a later date. 102 (20.4) 24.4% 22.2% 21.3% 8.7% 5.6% 19.0% 21.9% 20.6% 18.3%
None of these. or Other. 93 (18.6) 15.7% 18.5% 25.3% 18.5% 27.8% 15.3% 19.2% 17.0% 30.0%

Table 1B: Current use of the free childcare entitlement by household income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.

Household income group Benefit status Urban/Rural Classification
Question Response Total (%) Low income Medium income High income Benefit reciept non benefit reciept Large Urban Areas Other Urban Areas Accessible Small Towns Remote Small Towns Accessible Rural Remote Rural
Do you currently use the free early learning and childcare entitlement for your 3 or 4 year old child? n=4485 n=336 n=2324 n=1684 n=1175 n=3247 n=1095 n=1042 n=463 n=156 n=542 n=355
Yes 3876 (86.4) 80.1% 86.6% 88.1% 85.8% 88.3% 82.4% 86.6% 91.1% 87.2% 87.3% 91.3%
No 501 (11.2) 13.1% 11.1% 10.6% 11.8% 9.4% 14.8% 11.4% 6.7% 9.0% 10.1% 6.2%
I don’t know 108 (2.4) 6.8% 2.4% 1.3% 2.4% 2.3% 2.8% 2.0% 2.2% 3.8% 2.6% 2.5%
How do you use this entitlement? n=3868 n=269 n=2008 n=1479 n=1035 n=2781 n=900 n=899 n=421 n=136 n=472 n=324
Local Authority nursery 2280 (58.9) 77.7% 64.5% 47.3% 60.7% 54.3% 51.8% 60.3% 61.8% 58.8% 56.1% 76.9%
Private nursery provider (including not for profit providers). 1257 (32.5) 19.3% 28.0% 41.4% 30.7% 37.4% 41.0% 30.6% 31.4% 33.1% 33.9% 15.1%
Both 331 (8.6) 3.0% 7.4% 11.2% 8.6% 8.3% 7.2% 9.1% 6.9% 8.1% 10.0% 8.0%
Why don’t you use free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old child? N=501 n=44 n=257 n=179 n=110 n=383 n=162 n=119 n=31 n=14 n=55 n=22
Childcare providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. 88 (17.6) 13.6% 14.4% 24.6% 17.0% 20.0% 24.1% 16.0% 12.9% 7.1% 10.9% 4.5%
My child has additional support needs and I would not be able to access the quality of child care they would need. 4 (0.8) 2.3% 0.8% 0.6% 1.0% 0.0% 0.6% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Not enough availability of places within my area. 128 (25.5) 36.4% 23.7% 24.6% 25.1% 27.3% 45.7% 16.0% 19.4% 14.3% 3.6% 18.2%
I do not feel that local childcare provision is of a high enough quality. 16 (3.2) 0.0% 3.5% 2.8% 2.3% 6.4% 1.9% 2.5% 6.5% 0.0% 7.3% 0.0%
There is no free provision during school holidays. 71 (14.2) 13.6% 12.8% 16.8% 13.6% 15.5% 13.0% 18.5% 3.2% 14.3% 12.7% 4.5%
I would still need some private child care. 129 (25.7) 31.8% 25.3% 26.3% 23.8% 32.7% 29.0% 23.5% 25.8% 35.7% 18.2% 9.1%
Myself/partner prefers to look after our own child. 49 (9.8) 9.1% 10.9% 7.8% 10.2% 8.2% 5.6% 6.7% 6.5% 14.3% 9.1% 18.2%
I prefer for a family member to look after my child 19 (3.8) 2.3% 4.7% 2.8% 2.6% 8.2% 1.9% 5.9% 0.0% 7.1% 3.6% 13.6%
I do not qualify for other childcare costs support. 39 (7.8) 2.3% 11.3% 3.9% 8.1% 7.3% 6.2% 12.6% 3.2% 14.3% 5.5% 13.6%
Child is 3 but will not be able to commence free entitlement until a later date. 102 (20.4) 9.1% 21.4% 22.3% 20.9% 19.1% 14.8% 25.2% 38.7% 14.3% 38.2% 18.2%
None of these. or Other. 93 (18.6) 11.4% 20.0% 16.8% 19.3% 35.4% 18.5% 19.3% 9.6% 14.3% 5.5% 22.7%

Table 2A: Overall childcare use and reasons for childcare use by pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status.

Formal childcare use pattern (%) Working adults in the house Marital status
Non user Low user Medium user High User No working adults 1 working adult 2 or more working adults Couple Single parent
Question Response Total (%) n=187 n=2640 n=730 n=772 n=147 n=1186 n=3136 n=4055 n=430
Which of the following providers of early learning and childcare do you use? N=4485 Local Authority Nursery 54.1% 0.0% 70.4% 40.4% 35.5% 66.7% 59.2% 51.6% 53.9% 56.5%
Private or non profit provider 41.8% 0.0% 22.7% 84.5% 85.0% 17.0% 29.3% 47.8% 42.2% 37.9%
A family member, friend, or neighbour 43.7% 34.8% 47.8% 50.4% 28.1% 25.9% 28.8% 50.3% 43.6% 44.7%
Childminder 15.1% 28.3% 20.1% 5.2% 3.8% 5.4% 10.7% 17.2% 14.8% 18.4%
Playgroup 8.4% 32.1% 5.8% 4.4% 2.5% 10.2% 11.6% 7.0% 8.6% 6.3%
Preschool 10.0% 0.0% 9.1% 7.9% 19.7% 12.2% 11.2% 9.5% 10.2% 8.1%
Out of School Club 2.3% 2.1% 1.4% 3.2% 5.1% 2.0% 1.6% 2.6% 2.3% 2.3%
Creche 1.2% 4.8% 1.1% 1.4% 1.0% 1.4% 2.0% 1.0% 1.3% 1.2%
Children/Family Centre 0.6% 2.1% 0.4% 0.3% 0.8% 1.4% 0.7% 0.5% 0.5% 0.9%
Breakfast Club 1.8% 1.1% 1.1% 2.9% 3.8% 1.4% 1.3% 2.0% 1.8% 1.9%
Sitter Service 0.8% 1.6% 0.8% 1.0% 0.8% 1.4% 0.8% 0.9% 0.7% 1.9%
What were the main reasons you chose to have your child in early learning and child care? N=4479 n=187 n=2636 n=730 n=772 n=147 n=1185 n=3134 n=4049 n=430
So that I could work 67.9% 48.9% 56.9% 91.0% 92.4% 11.6% 43.2% 80.0% 68.4% 63.7%
So that I could look for work 3.4% 5.4% 3.9% 2.3% 1.6% 20.4% 6.0% 1.5% 3.0% 6.5%
So that I could study/train 6.3% 8.1% 5.4% 7.4% 7.1% 25.2% 7.8% 4.7% 5.5% 13.0%
So that I could look after the home/other children 11.5% 11.8% 13.7% 8.9% 4.7% 20.4% 19.3% 8.2% 12.0% 7.4%
So that I could go shopping/attend an appointment/socialise 4.6% 9.1% 4.9% 3.6% 2.2% 13.6% 7.1% 3.3% 4.5% 5.8%
For my childs educational development 71.9% 38.7% 78.7% 65.9% 60.9% 78.9% 75.3% 70.3% 72.4% 67.7%
Because my child likes spending time with the provider 23.7% 17.7% 25.0% 22.6% 18.4% 25.9% 27.3% 22.2% 23.9% 21.4%
Because my child asked to spend time with the provider 3.7% 4.3% 4.1% 2.5% 2.3% 5.4% 5.5% 2.9% 3.7% 3.7%
So that my child could take part in a liesure activity 8.6% 11.8% 9.7% 4.7% 6.0% 15.0% 11.7% 7.0% 8.6% 8.6%
Because it was available/offered to me. 26.0% 7.0% 35.0% 12.9% 9.3% 41.5% 33.6% 22.4% 25.8% 27.9%
So that my child could meet and interact with other children 67.3% 46.8% 73.3% 59.7% 56.1% 76.9% 71.3% 65.3% 67.8% 62.1%
Not applicable (I do not use Child Care) 1.6% 23.7% 0.8% 0.3% 0.4% 2.0% 2.9% 1.0% 1.6% 1.2%
Don’t know 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.0% 0.3% 0.1% 0.1% 0.0%
Other 2.0% 2.7% 2.0% 1.9% 1.7% 2.7% 2.8% 1.7% 1.9% 2.8%

Table 2B: Overall childcare use and reasons for childcare use by household income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.

Household income group Benefit status Urban/Rural Classification
Low income Medium income High income Benefit reciept non benefit reciept Urban Areas Other Urban Areas Accessible Small Towns Small Towns Accessible Rural Remote Rural
Question Response Total (%) n=336 n=2324 n=1684 n=3247 n=1175 n=1095 n=1042 n=463 n=156 n=542 n=355
Which of the following providers of early learning and childcare do you use? N=4485 Local Authority Nursery 54.1% 64.0% 58.4% 45.9% 55.3% 51.0% 48.1% 57.4% 55.5% 55.1% 49.6% 68.2%
Private or non profit provider 41.8% 23.8% 35.8% 54.5% 40.3% 45.7% 50.3% 41.2% 37.6% 41.0% 41.5% 23.1%
A family member, friend, or neighbour 43.7% 39.0% 46.1% 43.0% 45.4% 39.6% 42.8% 50.7% 45.1% 37.8% 42.4% 42.0%
Childminder 15.1% 15.5% 15.1% 15.5% 15.8% 13.3% 11.4% 14.4% 17.5% 16.7% 16.6% 22.0%
Playgroup 8.4% 8.9% 8.5% 8.1% 8.0% 9.1% 5.9% 7.4% 9.7% 10.3% 14.0% 11.5%
Preschool 10.0% 11.3% 10.6% 8.7% 10.2% 9.7% 5.8% 8.9% 10.4% 15.4% 13.5% 17.2%
Out of School Club 2.3% 1.8% 2.3% 2.3% 2.3% 2.2% 2.9% 1.9% 2.6% 1.9% 1.7% 1.7%
Creche 1.2% 1.5% 1.3% 1.1% 1.3% 0.9% 1.9% 1.0% 1.3% 3.2% 0.9% 0.8%
Children/Family Centre 0.6% 1.5% 0.6% 0.3% 0.6% 0.4% 0.6% 0.9% 0.2% 0.6% 0.4% 0.6%
Breakfast Club 1.8% 2.1% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.9% 2.0% 2.7% 1.1% 1.9% 1.3% 0.3%
Sitter Service 0.8% 2.1% 0.5% 1.1% 0.7% 1.2% 1.0% 0.5% 1.1% 1.3% 0.6% 0.8%
What was the main reason you chose to have your child in early learning and child care? N=4479 n=335 n=2324 n=1683 n=3246 n=1174 n=1094 n=1042 n=463 n=156 n=541 n=355
So that I could work 67.9% 49.0% 66.3% 76.0% 68.4% 66.9% 73.6% 68.9% 66.3% 59.6% 67.1% 58.0%
So that I could look for work 3.4% 11.3% 3.7% 1.2% 3.7% 2.5% 4.1% 3.4% 2.8% 4.5% 2.6% 3.1%
So that I could study/train 6.3% 16.7% 7.1% 3.1% 6.9% 4.5% 6.0% 6.5% 6.0% 11.5% 6.7% 5.6%
So that I could look after the home/other children 11.5% 14.6% 12.3% 9.5% 11.5% 11.4% 9.7% 10.5% 13.8% 13.5% 12.0% 14.9%
So that I could go shopping/attend an appointment/socialise 4.6% 9.9% 4.3% 4.0% 4.9% 4.1% 3.9% 4.9% 5.4% 6.4% 5.5% 3.7%
For my childs educational development 71.9% 72.5% 71.6% 72.2% 72.0% 72.0% 68.8% 70.5% 74.7% 73.7% 76.3% 80.6%
Because my child likes spending time with the provider 23.7% 23.3% 24.3% 23.2% 23.9% 23.0% 20.4% 22.1% 25.9% 25.0% 24.8% 33.5%
Because my child asked to spend time with the provider 3.7% 6.6% 4.1% 2.4% 3.9% 2.9% 2.4% 3.3% 3.2% 5.1% 4.3% 7.0%
So that my child could take part in a liesure activity 8.6% 13.4% 9.1% 6.9% 8.7% 8.3% 8.3% 7.2% 9.9% 11.5% 10.2% 8.7%
Because it was available/offered to me. 26.0% 35.2% 28.2% 20.9% 27.5% 21.6% 19.9% 25.8% 31.7% 32.7% 27.9% 37.7%
So that my child could meet and interact with other children 67.3% 70.4% 66.8% 67.3% 67.5% 66.9% 64.2% 65.6% 70.6% 71.2% 72.1% 72.4%
Not applicable (I do not use Child Care) 1.6% 2.1% 1.5% 1.2% 1.4% 1.9% 1.4% 1.3% 1.1% 1.9% 1.7% 2.5%
Don’t know 0.1% 0.6% 0.1% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.2% 0.6% 0.0% 0.0%
Other 2.0% 1.5% 1.9% 2.0% 1.5% 2.1% 2.1% 1.9% 2.4% 0.0% 1.5% 1.4%

Table 3A: Reasons for choice ofchildcare and prefered future pattern of use by pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status.

Formal childcare use pattern (%) Working adults in the house Marital status
Non user Low user Medium user High User No working adults 1 working adult 2 or more working adults Couple Single parent
Question Response Total (%) n=186 n=2622 n=730 n=771 n=146 n=1183 n=3124 n=4038 n=427
What were your main reasons for your particular choice in early learning and child care for your 3 or 4 year old child? (please select all that apply) n=4465 Trust 53.7% 49.5% 52.1% 55.9% 57.5% 43.2% 48.8% 55.9% 53.5% 55.5%
Affordability 27.3% 33.3% 27.8% 27.5% 24.1% 17.8% 27.2% 27.7% 27.1% 29.0%
Convenience 49.6% 33.3% 47.2% 57.4% 54.3% 43.8% 45.5% 51.4% 50.5% 40.3%
Reputation/recommendation 54.6% 41.9% 51.9% 60.4% 60.1% 42.5% 52.2% 56.0% 54.8% 52.7%
Qualifications of staff 29.7% 14.5% 28.5% 31.8% 35.9% 30.1% 30.5% 29.3% 29.8% 29.3%
Social opportunities for child 43.7% 32.3% 45.9% 40.3% 41.9% 49.3% 43.4% 43.4% 43.5% 45.2%
No other options were available 8.9% 9.7% 8.3% 7.3% 12.6% 6.2% 8.6% 9.2% 9.0% 8.4%
Reliability 27.5% 24.7% 24.4% 33.6% 33.1% 23.3% 24.8% 28.6% 27.3% 28.6%
Educational opportunities 50.1% 21.5% 54.4% 46.0% 48.2% 57.5% 51.1% 49.3% 50.0% 50.8%
Availability of subsidies 5.4% 2.2% 3.6% 8.6% 8.3% 4.8% 4.9% 5.6% 5.4% 5.2%
Good quality/inspection report 41.5% 20.4% 36.5% 51.2% 54.0% 35.6% 36.4% 43.7% 42.1% 36.5%
Not Applicable (I do not use Child Care) 1.7% 24.2% 1.0% 0.3% 0.3% 2.7% 3.0% 1.1% 1.7% 1.6%
I don't know 0.5% 0.0% 0.6% 0.3% 0.6% 4.1% 0.8% 0.3% 0.5% 1.2%
Other 5.5% 3.8% 5.4% 5.2% 6.9% 4.8% 5.7% 5.4% 5.5% 4.9%
n=186 n=2634 n=729 n=770 n=147 n=1181 n=3133 n=4045 n=430
The Scottish Government is proposing to increase the provision of free early learning and child care for 3 or 4 year olds by 2020. There are a number of ways this can happen.

Which of the following would you be most likely to consider? N=4465
Term time only - 6 hours/day, 5 days a week (covering the school day, 9am- 3pm) 21.3% 12.4% 26.3% 13.7% 12.3% 38.1% 25.6% 18.8% 21.1% 22.6%
hours to suit your needs (e.g. 3 or 4 days per week but longer days) 17.9% 17.2% 18.4% 20.2% 15.3% 15.0% 14.1% 19.6% 18.3% 14.2%
Year round – e.g. 22.8 hours a week over 50 weeks 40.9% 32.3% 31.3% 57.8% 62.6% 25.2% 34.3% 44.2% 40.5% 44.9%
I do not think I will use any of the free child care hours 5.0% 17.7% 5.9% 1.6% 1.4% 3.4% 5.8% 4.7% 5.2% 3.3%
I would only like to use some of the additional hours offered 9.8% 10.2% 13.0% 3.6% 3.0% 11.6% 13.5% 8.4% 9.7% 10.7%
I don't know 2.5% 4.8% 2.8% 1.6% 1.8% 5.4% 3.4% 1.9% 2.5% 2.6%
Other 2.6% 5.4% 2.3% 1.5% 3.5% 1.4% 3.4% 2.3% 2.6% 1.9%

Table 3B: Reasons for choice of childcare and prefered future pattern of use by house hold income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.

Household income group Benefit status Urban/Rural Classification
Low income Medium income High income Benefit reciept non benefit reciept Large Urban Areas Other Urban Areas Accessible Small Towns Remote Small Towns Accessible Rural Remote Rural
Question Response Total (%) n=333 n=2317 n=1678 n=3235 n=1171 n=1094 n=1036 n=463 n=156 n=540 n=352
What were your main reasons for your particular choice in early learning and child care for your 3 or 4 year old child? (please select all that apply) n=4465 Trust 53.7% 50.8% 52.3% 57.0% 53.7% 53.5% 51.60% 56.30% 53.30% 57.70% 55.90% 47.40%
Affordability 27.3% 28.8% 30.2% 23.7% 28.7% 23.5% 29.30% 28.20% 26.80% 24.40% 26.70% 24.40%
Convenience 49.6% 40.8% 47.7% 54.1% 50.1% 48.3% 51.60% 49.10% 50.50% 39.70% 55.60% 49.10%
Reputation/recommendation 54.6% 46.2% 51.8% 59.7% 53.7% 57.0% 55.50% 53.70% 59.40% 53.80% 57% 40.30%
Qualifications of staff 29.7% 29.1% 28.1% 31.9% 29.0% 31.6% 31.40% 30.60% 29.40% 28.20% 29.10% 26.10%
Social opportunities for child 43.7% 45.9% 43.3% 43.9% 44.3% 41.8% 39.40% 45.20% 48.60% 46.80% 44.80% 46.90%
No other options were available 8.9% 9.9% 9.5% 8.2% 8.9% 9.1% 8.60% 4.40% 8.40% 8.30% 9.10% 26.10%
Reliability 27.5% 27.6% 25.7% 30.2% 27.5% 27.5% 26.50% 29.20% 27.40% 37.80% 25.60% 23.90%
Educational opportunities 50.1% 52.3% 50.3% 49.0% 49.9% 51.0% 47.70% 50.80% 51.60% 54.50% 54.60% 49.70%
Availability of subsidies 5.4% 3.3% 4.5% 7.2% 5.3% 5.6% 7.60% 4.60% 5.80% 5.10% 5.40% 1.70%
Good quality/inspection report 41.5% 33.9% 38.8% 47.5% 41.5% 41.8% 49.50% 43.20% 41.70% 30.10% 38.50% 23.00%
Not Applicable (I do not use Child Care) 1.7% 2.1% 1.9% 1.1% 1.7% 1.5% 1.50% 1.40% 1.10% 2.60% 1.90% 2.60%
I don't know 0.5% 1.8% 0.6% 0.1% 0.6% 0.3% 0.50% 0.60% 0.40% 0.60% 0% 0.90%
Other 5.5% 3.3% 5.6% 5.9% 5.5% 5.4% 5.10% 4.80% 6.30% 5.10% 6.30% 3.70%
n=334 n=2322 n=1681 n=1173 n=3241 n=1093 n=1040 n=463 n=156 n=542 n=355
Which of the following would you be most likely to consider? N=4465 Term time only - 6 hours/day, 5 days a week (covering the school day, 9am- 3pm) 21.3% 32.0% 23.5% 16.2% 18.4% 22.3% 19.60% 20.90% 22.70% 26.30% 20.50% 31.50%
Term time only but a different pattern of hours to suit your needs (e.g. 3 or 4 days per week but longer days) 17.9% 14.4% 18.3% 18.6% 18.2% 17.9% 17.70% 20.30% 16.20% 12.20% 18.50% 14.10%
Year round – e.g. 22.8 hours a week over 50 weeks 40.9% 35.3% 38.1% 47.2% 41.4% 40.9% 49.20% 42.10% 41.00% 36.50% 39.10% 24.20%
I do not think I will use any of the free child care hours 5.0% 3.0% 5.2% 4.4% 5.6% 4.7% 3.20% 3.80% 3.70% 7.70% 5.50% 7.30%
I would only like to use some of the additional hours offered 9.8% 10.5% 9.7% 9.3% 10.6% 9.6% 6.30% 7.90% 11.00% 14.10% 11.30% 17.70%
I don't know 2.5% 3.6% 2.8% 1.4% 2.0% 2.6% 1.80% 2.40% 1.90% 2.60% 2.40% 3.70%
Other 2.6% 1.2% 2.4% 2.8% 3.8% 2.2% 2.20% 2.60% 3.50% 0.60% 2.80% 1.40%

Table 4A: Effect of using proposed increaseof childcare hoursby pattern of use, number of working adults, and marital status.

Formal childcare use pattern (%) Working adults in the house Marital status
Non user Low user Medium user High User No working adults 1 working adult 2 or more working adults Couple Single parent
Question Response Total (%) n=152 n=2468 n=712 n=754 n=142 n=1107 n=2971 n=3815 n=415
If you were to take up the increased hours of free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old, how would this effect your own work/life pattern? N=4230 I would use the time to work more hours 37.5% 31.6% 37.9% 42.7% 33.7% 4.9% 27.1% 43.0% 37.5% 37.6%
I would use the time to seek out part time work 9.6% 13.8% 12.9% 3.7% 1.9% 38.7% 24.3% 2.7% 9.2% 13.5%
I would use the time to seek out full time work 3.9% 5.9% 4.5% 3.4% 2.5% 21.1% 5.9% 2.4% 3.6% 7.5%
I would use the time to study 4.6% 5.9% 5.3% 3.1% 3.2% 17.6% 8.0% 2.6% 4.1% 9.2%
I would lower my hours at work 1.8% 2.0% 1.0% 2.0% 4.4% 0.0% 1.0% 2.2% 1.8% 1.2%
I would use the time for voluntary or community work 1.6% 0.7% 1.9% 1.1% 0.9% 1.4% 2.4% 1.2% 1.7% 0.5%
My work/life pattern would not change 31.2% 27.0% 27.0% 36.0% 41.0% 9.2% 22.2% 35.7% 32.2% 22.2%
I don’t know 2.3% 5.3% 2.4% 1.1% 2.1% 3.5% 3.3% 1.9% 2.3% 1.9%
Other 7.4% 7.9% 7.1% 7.0% 9.4% 3.5% 5.8% 8.3% 7.5% 6.5%

Table 4B: Effect of using proposed increase of childcare hours by household income , household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.

Household income group Benefit status Urban/Rural Classification
Low income Medium income High income Benefit reciept non benefit reciept Large Urban Areas Other Urban Areas Accessible Small Towns Remote Small Towns Accessible Rural Remote Rural
Question Response Total (%) n=332 n=2191 n=1600 n=3078 n=1099 n=1054 n=996 n=446 n=142 n=510 n=327
If you were to take up the increased hours of free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old, how would this effect your own work/life pattern? N=4230 I would use the time to work more hours 37.5% 34.5% 42.5% 32.4% 38.2% 35.1% 37.5% 35.3% 39.5% 43.0% 37.3% 42.8%
I would use the time to seek out part time work 9.6% 19.9% 9.8% 6.5% 9.5% 10.2% 9.3% 8.2% 11.0% 12.7% 10.2% 11.0%
I would use the time to seek out full time work 3.9% 11.2% 4.4% 1.8% 4.5% 2.5% 4.3% 5.0% 2.0% 7.7% 2.7% 2.8%
I would use the time to study 4.6% 11.8% 4.9% 2.6% 4.9% 3.9% 4.8% 5.0% 4.0% 4.9% 5.3% 3.1%
I would lower my hours at work 1.8% 0.6% 1.6% 2.2% 1.8% 1.6% 2.4% 2.0% 1.6% 1.4% 0.6% 0.9%
I would use the time for voluntary or community work 1.6% 1.2% 1.0% 2.3% 1.3% 2.5% 1.7% 0.8% 1.3% 2.8% 1.8% 2.4%
My work/life pattern would not change 31.2% 13.7% 26.3% 41.4% 29.7% 36.2% 29.8% 34.0% 30.9% 23.2% 32.9% 27.5%
I don’t know 2.3% 3.1% 2.4% 1.9% 2.3% 2.0% 1.8% 2.4% 1.6% 1.4% 1.4% 3.7%
Other 7.4% 4.0% 7.1% 8.8% 7.9% 5.9% 8.4% 7.1% 8.1% 2.8% 7.8% 5.8%

Table 5A: Perceptions of childcare by pattern of use ,number of working adults, and marital status.

Formal childcare use pattern (%) Working adults in the household Marital status
Non user Low user Medium user High User No working adults 1 working adult 2 or more working adults Couple Single parent
n=184 n=2626 n=726 n=770 n=147 n=1180 n=3123 n=4033 n=429
Here are some common views/perceptions of current early learning and child provision. To what extent do you agree or disagree with them? I find it difficult to afford the child care that I need. n=4485 Strongly Agree 33.9% 35.3% 30.2% 37.1% 44.4% 36.1% 33.1% 34.0% 33.3% 38.9%
Tend to Agree 25.4% 17.4% 24.5% 30.6% 25.8% 21.1% 22.6% 26.6% 25.2% 26.8%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 17.9% 16.3% 20.4% 13.8% 13.8% 16.3% 19.2% 17.6% 18.4% 13.1%
Tend to Disagree 10.5% 12.0% 10.6% 12.5% 7.9% 2.7% 7.7% 11.9% 10.9% 7.2%
Strongly Disagree 10.0% 10.3% 11.5% 5.6% 7.1% 14.3% 13.9% 8.4% 10.0% 10.3%
I don’t know 2.3% 8.7% 2.7% 0.4% 0.9% 9.5% 3.5% 1.4% 2.1% 3.7%
Child care providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. n=4485 Strongly Agree 20.8% 24.0% 18.6% 21.8% 26.5% 21.9% 18.6% 21.5% 20.7% 21.7%
Tend to Agree 24.7% 17.5% 24.6% 28.8% 22.8% 26.7% 23.0% 25.3% 24.5% 26.9%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 21.0% 19.7% 23.0% 17.2% 17.7% 19.2% 26.5% 19.0% 21.1% 20.8%
Tend to Disagree 19.0% 15.3% 18.3% 21.4% 20.5% 7.5% 15.5% 20.8% 19.5% 14.3%
Strongly Disagree 9.9% 9.3% 9.6% 9.9% 10.7% 11.6% 9.9% 9.8% 9.8% 10.5%
I don’t know 4.6% 14.2% 5.9% 0.8% 1.8% 13.0% 6.4% 3.6% 4.5% 5.8%
I feel that I place too much of a burden on family and friends for child care. n=4485 Strongly Agree 18.8% 20.1% 20.2% 17.9% 14.5% 23.8% 16.5% 19.4% 17.9% 26.8%
Tend to Agree 22.5% 16.8% 24.7% 22.6% 16.5% 22.4% 17.5% 24.4% 22.2% 24.9%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 15.9% 15.2% 15.6% 15.3% 18.3% 11.6% 19.4% 14.9% 15.9% 16.7%
Tend to Disagree 15.1% 10.9% 14.5% 18.8% 15.3% 10.2% 12.5% 16.4% 15.7% 9.6%
Strongly Disagree 26.0% 32.1% 23.6% 23.7% 33.4% 27.2% 31.8% 23.8% 26.6% 20.9%
I don’t know 1.6% 4.9% 1.3% 1.7% 2.0% 4.8% 2.4% 1.1% 1.7% 1.2%
I would like to be able to access more childcare hours to allow me to work/train/study. n=4485 Strongly Agree 44.6% 38.9% 43.2% 49.9% 48.4% 50.7% 44.1% 44.5% 43.7% 53.0%
Tend to Agree 21.6% 18.4% 22.4% 22.3% 17.4% 24.0% 19.8% 22.3% 21.7% 20.6%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 12.4% 10.8% 11.6% 12.2% 15.9% 9.6% 11.7% 12.8% 12.8% 9.1%
Tend to Disagree 9.0% 8.6% 9.2% 8.7% 8.2% 4.1% 8.5% 9.4% 9.3% 6.3%
Strongly Disagree 11.0% 20.5% 12.0% 6.5% 9.1% 9.6% 13.9% 10.0% 11.2% 9.3%
I don’t know 1.3% 2.7% 1.5% 0.5% 0.9% 2.1% 1.9% 1.0% 1.3% 1.6%
I would like more choice in the type of child care available to me. n=4485 Strongly Agree 35.5% 37.0% 32.5% 37.9% 43.6% 39.0% 33.6% 36.0% 34.9% 41.1%
Tend to Agree 23.6% 21.2% 24.7% 23.4% 20.5% 16.4% 22.5% 24.3% 23.9% 20.7%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 20.5% 17.9% 20.9% 21.5% 19.1% 21.2% 21.4% 20.0% 20.5% 20.2%
Tend to Disagree 10.4% 7.1% 10.5% 11.2% 9.0% 6.8% 9.2% 11.0% 10.7% 6.8%
Strongly Disagree 8.1% 12.5% 8.9% 5.0% 7.0% 11.0% 10.1% 7.3% 8.1% 8.5%
I don’t know 2.0% 4.3% 2.5% 1.1% 0.8% 5.5% 3.1% 1.4% 1.9% 2.8%
I would like to access formal care such as nurseries, outside normal working hours. n=4485 Strongly Agree 24.9% 25.0% 22.1% 24.6% 35.2% 32.4% 23.0% 25.3% 24.1% 33.1%
Tend to Agree 19.0% 13.6% 18.2% 22.9% 19.3% 22.8% 17.3% 19.4% 18.7% 21.1%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 20.6% 23.4% 21.5% 20.3% 18.3% 18.6% 22.7% 19.9% 20.9% 18.3%
Tend to Disagree 19.2% 14.7% 19.8% 21.8% 16.2% 6.9% 16.8% 20.7% 20.0% 11.0%
Strongly Disagree 13.8% 22.8% 15.1% 9.1% 9.8% 13.1% 15.9% 13.0% 13.9% 12.0%
I don’t know 2.6% 0.5% 3.4% 1.2% 1.3% 6.2% 4.3% 1.7% 2.4% 4.5%

Table 5B: Perceptions of childcare by household income, household benefit status, and urban/rural classification.

Household income group Benefit status Urban/Rural Classification
Low income Medium income High income Benefit reciept non benefit reciept Large Urban Areas Other Urban Areas Accessible Small Towns Remote Small Towns Accessible Rural Remote Rural
n=333 n=2311 n=1682 n=3229 n=1173 n=1089 n=1040 n=463 n=156 n=541 n=355
Here are some common views/perceptions of current early learning and child provision. To what extent do you agree or disagree with them? I find it difficult to afford the child care that I need. n=4485 Strongly Agree 33.9% 42.9% 38.9% 26.1% 36.6% 26.3% 38.6% 35.5% 35.0% 32.7% 30.9% 26.2%
Tend to Agree 25.4% 19.8% 24.4% 28.1% 25.6% 24.7% 26.1% 25.2% 21.6% 25.6% 27.2% 22.5%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 17.9% 15.9% 16.6% 19.4% 16.8% 21.1% 15.4% 17.2% 19.9% 19.2% 16.8% 23.4%
Tend to Disagree 10.5% 5.7% 8.2% 14.8% 9.3% 13.6% 10.8% 9.7% 10.6% 9.6% 11.3% 12.1%
Strongly Disagree 10.0% 9.9% 9.5% 10.5% 9.1% 12.7% 7.4% 10.6% 11.0% 11.5% 11.6% 11.5%
I don’t know 2.3% 5.7% 2.3% 1.2% 2.5% 1.6% 1.7% 1.8% 1.9% 1.3% 2.2% 4.2%
Child care providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. n=4485 Strongly Agree 20.8% 21.3% 19.8% 22.4% 21.1% 20.0% 24.4% 21.5% 23.0% 12.9% 18.6% 15.9%
Tend to Agree 24.7% 21.3% 25.5% 24.7% 25.5% 23.1% 25.6% 24.2% 23.9% 23.2% 26.0% 21.5%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 21.0% 24.6% 23.4% 16.8% 21.1% 20.2% 19.9% 20.3% 20.4% 23.2% 21.4% 26.6%
Tend to Disagree 19.0% 12.3% 17.4% 22.6% 18.1% 21.7% 17.5% 19.2% 18.4% 25.8% 19.7% 16.7%
Strongly Disagree 9.9% 10.8% 9.2% 10.5% 9.2% 11.5% 9.3% 10.5% 10.0% 11.0% 9.2% 9.6%
I don’t know 4.6% 9.6% 4.6% 3.1% 5.0% 3.5% 3.3% 4.3% 4.3% 3.9% 5.0% 9.6%
I feel that I place too much of a burden on family and friends for child care. n=4485 Strongly Agree 18.8% 28.8% 21.6% 13.7% 20.2% 15.1% 17.8% 22.5% 19.0% 17.3% 20.3% 16.5%
Tend to Agree 22.5% 21.9% 24.5% 20.0% 23.5% 19.7% 19.9% 24.7% 24.4% 18.6% 20.1% 28.2%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 15.9% 16.2% 16.3% 15.3% 15.7% 16.7% 15.3% 15.5% 16.2% 19.9% 14.1% 19.1%
Tend to Disagree 15.1% 7.5% 13.8% 18.8% 14.6% 16.4% 16.4% 13.7% 14.0% 17.9% 14.9% 13.7%
Strongly Disagree 26.0% 22.2% 22.0% 31.3% 24.2% 31.0% 29.0% 22.6% 24.6% 22.4% 28.6% 21.1%
I don’t know 1.6% 3.3% 1.9% 0.9% 1.8% 1.0% 1.5% 1.0% 1.7% 3.8% 2.0% 1.4%
I would like to be able to access more childcare hours to allow me to work/train/study. n=4485 Strongly Agree 44.6% 54.5% 48.5% 38.7% 46.9% 38.9% 48.3% 45.1% 48.7% 42.3% 45.5% 37.9%
Tend to Agree 21.6% 19.6% 21.6% 21.9% 21.4% 22.0% 20.5% 21.8% 22.3% 22.4% 21.3% 22.5%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 12.4% 9.9% 11.0% 14.9% 11.8% 14.1% 11.6% 13.7% 9.3% 12.2% 12.2% 16.2%
Tend to Disagree 9.0% 4.8% 6.5% 13.2% 8.2% 11.0% 9.0% 8.2% 7.6% 10.3% 8.7% 8.3%
Strongly Disagree 11.0% 9.6% 10.8% 10.8% 10.3% 12.9% 9.4% 9.9% 10.6% 11.5% 11.5% 12.5%
I don’t know 1.3% 1.5% 1.6% 0.6% 1.4% 1.0% 1.2% 1.3% 1.5% 1.3% 0.9% 2.6%
I would like more choice in the type of child care available to me. n=4485 Strongly Agree 35.5% 43.5% 36.4% 33.6% 35.9% 33.9% 40.4% 35.6% 35.7% 27.6% 31.4% 34.0%
Tend to Agree 23.6% 18.7% 24.2% 23.4% 23.7% 23.2% 23.2% 23.4% 26.2% 21.1% 26.2% 21.3%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 20.5% 18.4% 20.9% 20.0% 20.8% 19.8% 18.3% 22.3% 18.6% 25.7% 19.6% 25.1%
Tend to Disagree 10.4% 6.3% 8.5% 13.7% 10.0% 11.9% 9.3% 9.7% 9.5% 11.2% 13.3% 8.4%
Strongly Disagree 8.1% 7.9% 7.7% 8.2% 7.4% 9.9% 7.8% 7.0% 8.0% 9.9% 7.6% 8.6%
I don’t know 2.0% 5.1% 2.3% 1.0% 2.2% 1.4% 1.0% 2.0% 1.9% 4.6% 2.0% 2.6%
I would like to access formal care such as nurseries, outside normal working hours. n=4485 Strongly Agree 24.9% 35.1% 24.9% 23.4% 25.4% 23.9% 26.6% 28.4% 29.4% 18.2% 21.6% 22.3%
Tend to Agree 19.0% 18.3% 18.8% 19.6% 19.0% 18.5% 18.5% 19.6% 17.7% 19.5% 20.8% 19.7%
Neither Agree nor Disagree 20.6% 20.7% 22.5% 17.7% 20.7% 20.6% 20.2% 20.1% 17.5% 18.2% 22.3% 22.3%
Tend to Disagree 19.2% 9.9% 18.0% 22.8% 19.2% 19.3% 20.2% 17.0% 19.3% 21.4% 18.6% 19.4%
Strongly Disagree 13.8% 9.9% 13.1% 15.0% 12.9% 16.0% 11.2% 13.4% 13.6% 18.2% 14.8% 13.1%
I don’t know 2.6% 6.0% 2.7% 1.5% 2.9% 1.6% 3.2% 1.5% 2.4% 4.5% 1.8% 3.1%

Appendix 1: Informed consent form and questionnaire with responses:

Informed Consent Form

The Scottish Government propose to increase the free Early Learning and Childcare provision to 1140 hours per year for children who are 3 or 4 years old, as well as for 2 year olds whose parents/carers are on qualifying benefits and are eligible for the 600 hours free entitlement through the Children & Young People’s Act 2014.
We are currently looking for parents of 3 or 4 year olds residing in Scotland to give their views on the following.

  • Their current use of child care.
  • Whether they would use the increased hours of free child care.
  • How they would use the increased hours of child care.
  • How their views differ depending on family and work related factors

Data protection

  • Your participation is voluntary.
  • Your responses will be completely anonymous and no data will be collected that can identify you.
  • you are free to withdraw your participation from this study at any time, If you do not want to continue, you can simply leave this website.
  • Please only complete this questionnaire once per household.

1: Are you the main carer/parent of a 3 or 4 year old currently living in Scotland (i.e. living with the child)?
Yes
No –skip to last page - thank you for your time..

Do you currently use the free early learning and childcare entitlement for your 3 or 4 year old child? (n=4485)

Percent
Yes 86.4
No 11.2
I don't know 2.4
Total 100.0

How do you use this entitlement? (n=4485)

Percent
Local Authority nursery. 58.9
Private nursery provider (including not for 32.5
Both. 8.6
Total 100.0

Why don’t you use free early learning and childcare provision for your 3or4 year old child? (n=501)

Reason Percent
Childcare providers are not flexible enough about hours of use. 17.6
to access the quality of child care they would need. 0.8
Not enough availability of places within my area. 25.5
quality. 3.2
There is no free provision during school holidays. 14.2
I would still need some private child care. 25.7
Myself/partner prefers to look after our own child. 9.8
I prefer for a family member to look after my child 3.8
I do not qualify for other childcare costs support 7.8
None of these 6.4
until a later date. 20.4
Other (please specify) 12.1

In anaverage week, excluding time spent with a parent, how manyhours do you use the following providers of early learning and childcare for your 3 or 4year old? (n=4485)

Local Authority nursery
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 6.9
Between 10 and 20 hours per week 44.3
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week 2.4
30+ hours per week .9
Occasionally (less than once a week) .1
I do not use this type of childcare 45.4
Total 100.0
Private nursery
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 5.1
Between 10 and 20 hours per week 16.1
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week 10.5
30+ hours per week 10.3
Occasionally (less than once a week) .2
I do not use this type of childcare 57.8
Total 100.0
A family member, friend, or neighbour
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 21.0
Between 10 and 20 hours per week 15.5
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week 5.1
30+ hours per week 2.0
Occasionally (less than once a week) 10.3
I do not use this type of childcare 46.0
Total 100.0
Childminder
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 4.8
Between 10 and 20 hours per week 5.7
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week 3.2
30+ hours per week 1.5
Occasionally (less than once a week) .8
I do not use this type of childcare 84.1
Total 100.0
Playgroup
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 5.8
Between 10 and 20 hours per week 2.5
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week .1
30+ hours per week .0
Occasionally (less than once a week) 1.6
I do not use this type of childcare 90.0
Total 100.0
Preschool
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 1.8
Between 10 and 20 hours per week 7.8
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week .3
30+ hours per week .2
Occasionally (less than once a week) .2
I do not use this type of childcare 89.7
Total 100.0
Out of School Club
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 1.8
Between 10 and 20 hours per week .5
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week .0
Occasionally (less than once a week) .4
I do not use this type of childcare 97.2
Total 100.0
Creche
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 1.2
Between 10 and 20 hours per week .0
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week 0
Occasionally (less than once a week) 1.1
I do not use this type of childcare 97.6
Total 100.0
Children/Family Centre
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week .3
Between 10 and 20 hours per week .1
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week .0
30+ hours per week .0
Occasionally (less than once a week) .3
I do not use this type of childcare 99.2
Total 100.0
Breakfast Club
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week 1.7
Between 10 and 20 hours per week .1
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week .0
30+ hours per week .0
Occasionally (less than once a week) .3
I do not use this type of childcare 97.9
Total 100.0
Sitter Service
Percent
Up to 10 hours per week .6
Between 10 and 20 hours per week .1
Over 20 but less than 30 hours per week .1
30+ hours per week .0
Occasionally (less than once a week) 1.7
I do not use this type of childcare 97.4
Total 100.0

5: What were the main reasons you chose to have your 3or4 year old child in early learning and child care? (pleaseselect all that apply) (n=4479)

Reason Percent
So that I could work 67.9
So that I could look for work 3.4
So that I could study/ train 6.3
So that I could look after the home / other children 11.5
So that I could go shopping / attend an appointment / socialise 4.6
For my child's educational development 71.9
Because my child likes spending time with/at the provider 23.7
Because my child asked to spend time with/at the provider 3.7
So that my child could take part in a leisure activity 8.6
Because it was available/offered to me. 26
So that my child could meet and interact with other children. 67.3
Not applicable (I do not use child care) 1.6
I don't know 0.1
Other (please specify) 2

6: What were your main reasons for your particular choice in early learning and childcare for your 3or4 year old child?(pleaseselect all that apply) (n=4465)

Reason Percent
Trust 53.7
Affordability 27.3
Convenience 49.6
Reputation/recommendation 54.6
Qualifications of staff 29.7
Social opportunities for child 43.7
No other options were available 8.9
Reliability 27.5
Educational opportunities 50.1
Availability of subsidies 5.4
Good quality/inspection report 41.5
Not Applicable (I do not use Child Care) 1.7
I don't know 0.5

7:Here are some common views/perceptions of current early learning and child care provision. To what extent do you agree or disagree with them? (n=4443)

I find it difficult toafford the child care that I need.
Percent
Strongly disagree 10.0
Tend to disagree 10.5
Neither agree nor disagree 17.9
Tend to Agree 25.4
Strongly agree 33.9
I don’t know 2.3
Total 100.0
Child care providers are not flexible enough about hours of use.
Percent
Strongly disagree 9.9
Tend to disagree 19.0
Neither agree nor disagree 21.0
Tend to Agree 24.7
Strongly agree 20.8
I don’t know 4.6
Total 100.0
I feel that I place too much of a burden on family and friends for child care.
Percent
Strongly disagree 26.0
Tend to disagree 15.1
Neither agree nor disagree 15.9
Tend to Agree 22.5
Strongly agree 18.8
I don't know 1.6
Total 100.0
I would like to be able to access more childcare hours to allow me to work/train/study.
Percent
Strongly disagree 11.0
Tend to disagree 9.0
Neither agree nor disagree 12.4
Tend to Agree 21.6
Strongly agree 44.6
I don't know 1.3
Total 100.0
I would like more choice in the type of child care available to me.
Percent
Strongly disagree 8.1
Tend to disagree 10.4
Neither agree nor disagree 20.5
Tend to Agree 23.6
Strongly agree 35.5
I don’t know 2.0
Total 100.0
I would like to access formal care such as nurseries, outside normalworking hours.
Percent
Strongly disagree 13.8
Tend to disagree 19.2
Neither agree nor disagree 20.6
Tend to Agree 19.0
Strongly agree 24.9
I don’t know 2.6
Total 100.0

8: Which of the following options would you be most likely to consider using for your 3 or 4 year old? (n=4475)

  Percent
Term time only – 6 hours/day, 5 days a week (covering the school day, 9am-3pm) 21.3
Term time only but a different pattern of hours to suit your needs (e.g. 3 or 4 days per week but longer days) 17.9
Year round – e.g. 22.8 hours a week over 50 weeks 40.9
I do not think I will use any of the free child care hours 5.0
I would only like to use some of the additional hours offered 9.8
I don’t know 2.5
Other 2.6
Total 100.0

8B: If you were to take up the increased hours of free early learning and child care provision for your 3 or 4 year old, how would this effect your own work/life pattern? (n=4230)

  Percent
I would use the time to work more hours 37.5
I would use the time to seek out part time work 9.6
I would use the time to seek out full time work 3.9
I would use the time to study 4.6
I would lower my hours at work 1.8
I would use the time for voluntary or community work 1.6
My work/life pattern would not change 31.2
I don't know 2.3
Other (please specify) 7.4
Total 100.0

9: Apart from yourself,who lives in your household? (Please tick all that apply) (n=4464)

Person Percent
One or more children under the age of 5 78
One or more children between 5 and 15 40.5
Yoru partner 81.1
One or more other adult relatives 3.4
Other (please specify) 1.4

10: What is your marital status? (n=4472)

Percent
Married; 74.0
Living with partner; 16.4
Single, 6.5
Divorced, .7
Separated or Widow. 2.4
Total 100.0

11: Which of thesebestdescribes your ethnic group? (n=4468)

Percent
White - Scottish 79.3
White – Other British 12.4
White – Irish 1.2
White - Polish 1.0
White – Other 3.0
Pakistani .7
Indian .5
Bangladeshi .0
Chinese .4
Black – African .4
Black – Carribean .0
Black – Other .0
Arab .1
Mixed or multiple ethnic group .4
Other (please specify) .5
Total 100.0

12: Do you, (or someone else in your household), drive? (n=4428)

Percent
Yes 94.9
No 5.1
Total 100.0

13: What benefits, if any, do you currently receive? (Pleaseselect all that

Benefit Percent
Universal credit 0.3
Working tax credit 13.4
Child tax credit 26.7
Jobseekers allowance 0.4
Housing benefit 5.5
Child benefit 63
Income Support 2.6
Disability living allowance 2.4
Employment and support allowance 0.7
Carers allowance 1.4
Lone parents benefit 0
Guardians allowance 0
Maternity allowance 2.4
None of these 26.1
I don’t know 0.7
Other 0.5

14: Including yourself, how many adults in your household currently have a job, either as an employee or self- employed? (this includes if they are on maternity or sick leave). If none in your household currently have a job please type '0' (n=4485)

# Percent
0 3.3
1 26.5
2 68.7
3 1.2
4 .2
Total 100.0

15: What is your current employment pattern? (n=4464)

Percent
Employed (fixed hours each week) 61.0
Employed (shift work) 5.6
Employed (different number of hours and 7.6
Self-employed 9.7
Unemployed and looking 4.5
Student 1.7
Retired .1
Unemployed and not looking 9.9
Total 100.0

16: What is your highest level of qualification? (n=4439)

Percent
School leaving certificate/ new national Qualification Access 1.7
Standard Grade/O-grade/CSE/Senior Certificate or eq 7.5
GSVQ Foundation or Intermediate/SVQ level 1 or 2/ SCOTVEC 2.7
Higher Grade/Higher Still/CSYS/A level 8.2
GSVQ Advanced/SVQ level 3/ONC/ OND/ Scotvec ND 4.5
City and Guilds; HNC/HND/SVQ 4 or 5 14.3
First Degree/Higher Degree 26.0
Professional Qualifications 14.6
Postgraduate qualifications (PhD, Masters degree) 19.1
None of these 1.4
Total 100.0

17. What is your postcode? (n=4485)

18: Which local authority area do you live in? (n=4359)

Percent
Aberdeen 5.1
Aberdeenshire 9.3
Angus 1.4
Argyll and Bute 2.5
Clackmannanshire .5
Dumfries and Galloway 3.1
Dundee 1.0
East Ayrshire 2.7
East Dunbartonshire 3.0
East Lothian 3.9
East Renfrewshire 4.0
Edinburgh 7.9
Falkirk 1.9
Fife 5.2
Glasgow 6.8
Highland 4.7
Inverclyde 1.0
Midlothian 2.4
Moray 2.3
Na h-Eileanan Siar 1.0
North Ayrshire 1.9
North Lanarkshire 2.9
Orkney 1.4
Perth and Kinross 3.5
Renfrewshire 5.9
Scottish Borders .9
Shetland 3.0
South Ayrshire .9
South Lanarkshire 2.4
Stirling 2.1
West Dunbartonshire 1.8
West Lothian 3.7

19: What is your annual household income (including benefits, before tax) (n=4344)

Percent
1. Under £4,500 .7
2. £4,500 - £6,499 .9
3. £6,500 - £7,499 .9
4. £7,500 – £9,499 1.3
5. £9,500 - £11,499 1.8
6. £11,500 - £13,499 2.1
7. £13,500 – 15,499 1.9
8. £15,500 - £17,499 3.0
9. £17,500 - £24,999 7.9
10. £25,000 - £29,999 8.1
11. £30,000 - £39,999 15.8
12. £40,000 - £49,999 16.8
13. £50,000 - £75,999 24.9
14. £75,000 - £99,999 9.1
15 £100,000 or over 4.7
Total 100.0

Contact

Email: Orlando Heijmer-Mason

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