School age childcare delivery framework: executive summary (English version)

Next Steps

In 2023, we will undertake a series of engagement events for local authorities and providers with a focus on clarifying our approach as well as communicating the expectations of the Scottish Government as we move towards realising our school age childcare commitment. Building on this engagement, and on the contribution providers have already made to co-design as People Panel participants, we will develop plans for dedicated provider co-design work in 2023. In addition, we will engage with Scottish Social Services Council, the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland, as well as the national organisations (including the Scottish Out of School Care Network and the Scottish Childminding Association) that represent the school age childcare sector, to raise awareness of the approach we are taking and their role in the supporting delivery of our action areas.

In 2023-24 we will invest further in our test of change projects, by continuing to support our Early Adopter Communities and Access to Childcare Funded services. In addition to the four existing Early Adopter Communities in Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Glasgow and Inverclyde, we will expand into new areas in Fife and the Shetland Islands.

In 2025-26, we will develop a more detailed delivery plan setting out what a school age childcare offer will look like for families within communities and providing a clear timescale for delivery.

We would like to thank the children, parents, carers, providers of school age childcare, and the many other stakeholders who we have already spoken with, who have helped to shape our vision and actions areas for the future. We would also like to thank everyone currently working to provide school age childcare for families across Scotland – you are providing the vital services which support children and families within your communities now and into the future.