7/17/2020 | Childcare & Education

Christie & Co react to announcement of £11.2m for Scottish nurseries

On 15 July, the Scottish government announced that they will dedicate £11.2million of funding to Scottish nurseries in order to help them reopen after warnings that many will run at a financial loss for months to come.

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The money will assist with the cost of increased cleaning, the creation of more outdoor space, and changes to allow for physical distancing of adults.
 
Martin Daw, Senior Director (Scotland) at Christie & Co, comments:
 
“The last few months have been extremely challenging for Scotland’s childcare sector, which has worked tirelessly to safeguard the future of its businesses and staff. With mixed messages around partnership, furlough payments, lack of insurance cover and operating under bubbles, I don’t believe the childcare sector in Scotland has ever experienced a challenge this big.

The businesses which have remained open for key workers during this period have done so, in most cases, at a significant financial loss. There are not many other sectors who would consider trading with such losses, so we applaud childcare operators for being so altruistic and putting parents and children ahead of their own financial position.

We are delighted that the Scottish government have put aside £11.2 million to support the sector getting back on its feet and adjusting to a new operational environment. It is now key that this money reaches the operators quickly, so it can have the earliest and most effective impact on struggling businesses.

We look forward to seeing the sector regain its energy and passion, and assist economic recovery as parents return to their own jobs over the coming months.”