Closing Date: 18th May 2026 

This consultation seeks views on amending the definition of “daycare of children” in schedule 12 of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and create a new separate definition for “school age childcare”.
 

The consultation recognises that childcare needs change as children grow, and that current regulations, which group all services under “daycare of children”, no longer reflect the distinct role of School Age Childcare (SACC). SACC covers care for children who have reached school age, typically before and after school or during holidays. Scottish Government wants to update the law so regulation better fits how these services operate and supports plans to expand childcare access for families.  

A clearer definition could help services operate more sustainably, improve consistency, and support workforce development. The consultation seeks views on what the new definition should include, such as whether it should explicitly cover both care and play, and what age range it should apply to. It forms part of wider efforts to tackle child poverty, strengthen public services, and ensure families can work, train or study with reliable childcare in place. 

Find more information and provide an answer to the School age childcare consultation