THE livelihoods of Clacks childminders are in “serious jeopardy”, a local politician has said. 

At the beginning of November, the Scottish Government confirmed its intention to double childcare spending to £840million a year by 2021-22.

The investment would see a near doubling of free childcare entitlement but there are concerns over the effect this could have on childminders.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart said: "There is a real crisis for childminders in Clackmannanshire.

"I have received multiple emails and phone calls from anxious and upset childminding constituents whose futures are in serious jeopardy and whose livelihoods are at risk as a result of this – they are extremely worried.

"Due to many constraints, these people cannot go out and solicit business; they have to wait for the business and recommendations to come to them, it’s incredibly difficult for them and this is preventing them from working at all.

"Indeed the most recent figures from the Care Inspectorate have indicated that only 23 per cent of local authority nurseries can provide care for two-year-old children, whereas 92 per cent of childminders can.

"I have asked the question of the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the accessibility of childminders for all families and for the minister to comment on what action they are taking to recognise the vital role childminders play, and ensure they are closely integrated into the expansion of funded childcare hours."

However, Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, said: "Mr Stewart did indeed ask the question of the Scottish Government about the action it is taking to improve outcomes for children through the expanded childcare provision it is delivering – it’s just a pity he didn’t listen to the answer.

"The Scottish Government funds the Scottish Childminding Association in order to enable it to promote childminding services through its work with local authorities. 

"It is clear that it expects childminders and community childminders to play a significant role in the expansion to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare. 

"I also understand that Clackmannanshire Council have already reaffirmed their commitment to working with local childminders in order to develop its plans for the future.

"In addition, the Scottish Government is absolutely committed to increasing the number of qualified childminders, and has increased the number of college places for childminding in order to deliver the significant expansion to 1,1140 hours of funded early learning in Scotland."