YOUTH ON HIS SIDE

Humza appeals to parents with pledge to expand free childcare | Universal early learning to be extended to one and two-year olds

- PAUL HUTCHEON

HUMZA Yousaf would pursue a massive roll-out of free childcare if he wins the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as first minister. 

The Health Secretary told the Record universal early learning for one and two-year-olds would be in his first budget.

He will also announce a £25million-a-year childcare fund for parents returning to work, at a campaign event today.

All three and four-year-olds are currently entitled to 1140 free hours a year under a Scottish Government policy.

It is worth around 30 hours a week if taken during term time.

But provision is less generous before the age of three, with free childcare for two-year-olds means tested.

Yousaf, who is up against Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and backbencher Ash Regan in the race to succeed Sturgeon, will promise free early learning for all one and two-year-olds for up to 22 hours a week.

The free hours would be all year round in a move, he believes, will help parents return to work, support children and boost the economy. It is understood the Yousaf campaign believes the cost of phasing in the policy for two-year-olds first would be around £100million for 2024/25.