SNP government oversee rise in child development concerns

Scottish Liberal Democrat communities spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP has today urged the SNP government to introduce a new Nursery Premium and fresh support for children from poorer backgrounds, as new figures showed that the number of children flagged as having developmental concerns has increased since the pandemic.  

The figures from Public Health Scotland show that between July and September 2023:   

• 16.51% of children who received a 4-5 year review had one or more developmental concerns noted, compared to the pre-pandemic median of 11.18%.
• 13.87% of children who received a 13-15 month review had one or more developmental concerns noted, compared to the pre-pandemic median of 9.67%.  
• 16.71% of children who received a 27-30 month review had one or more developmental concerns noted, compared to the pre-pandemic median of 14.73%.  

Mr Rennie said:  

“The SNP and Greens have failed to rise to the challenges posed by the pandemic and, as a result, child development is suffering.  

“When it comes to giving children the best start in life, there is no time to lose. Action is needed at every level.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats would extend the successful pupil premium to nursery level so that children get the support they need and provide extra support for all children starting school who have had a development concern noted.

"We also want to ensure that early learning and childcare is flexible enough to meet the needs of every family and press ministers to ensure that everyone eligible for free childcare is able to take it up. That's how to get Scotland's left behind children back on track."