Parents in Glasgow still entitled to free childcare during World Cup bank holiday, says council

Parents of children aged between three and five will still be entitled to their 1,140 hours of early years childcare after a new June bank holiday was confirmed.

Earlier this year it was announced that in the wake of Scotland’s men’s team qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, June 15 has been officially confirmed as a bank holiday.

The holiday was proposed by First Minister John Swinney to allow people, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the team’s opening game against Haiti.

During last week’s full council meeting councillor Lilith Johnstone asked what assessment has been made on the impact of childcare provision across the city following the additional bank holiday.

Councillor Ricky Bell said: “Parents of three to five year olds are obviously entitled to 1,140 hours of funded hours of early learning and childcare each year.

“This entitlement is unaffected by the decision that we have taken. Any hours that would have been used on the public holiday can be moved to a different day so no family will lose their provision.

“Early years settings will still support parents to reschedule these hours in a way that works for them and for young children and vulnerable families who receive bought-in childcare, the same flexibility will apply.

“These hours can also be relocated across the year ensuring continuity of support.

“In short while local adjustments will be needed all funded childcare entitlements are protected and families will receive their full allocation through alternative arrangements.”