Early years expansion to benefit Argyll
ARGYLL and Bute is set to benefit following the Scottish Government’s announcement that there will be an extra £1.5 million investment for more nursery teachers and graduates in deprived areas across Scotland.
Set to receive three additional teachers or graduates, the new staff in Argyll and Bute are part of the wider strategy of tackling the attainment gap and giving every child an equal start in life.
The provision of extra highly-qualified childcare professionals will ensure that Argyll and Bute young people benefit from the best care and early years education.
The Scottish Government says it is taking decisive action to improve early years learning and childcare, including expanding guaranteed free childcare provision to 1,140 hours by 2020.
Commenting, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Michael Russell said: ‘This new funding is very welcome news for Argyll and Bute, helping to ensure that more children in our most deprived communities are able to benefit from specialised childcare and high quality early years learning.
‘The Scottish Government is committed to closing the attainment gap, and targeting funding in this way is important in making this happen, and to ensure that every child across Argyll and Bute gets an equal start in life.
‘The three new graduates or teachers that will be joining our workforce in Argyll and Bute will help improve childcare provision in our communities, and I look forward to seeing the Scottish Government continue to invest in our children’s futures.’