This report outlines findings from the 6th phase of the Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare (SSELC), which started back in 2019, focusing on 3-year-olds who were accessing up to 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). The SSELC forms a major part of the strategy for the evaluation of the expansion of funded ELC in Scotland. 

The SSELC, aims to provide key evidence on whether the expansion of funded ELC has achieved its three intended aims:   

1. Children’s development improves and the poverty-related outcomes gap narrows  

2. Family wellbeing improves   

3. Parents’ opportunities to take up or sustain work, study or training increase.  

The overall outcomes of the study’s phase 6 report imply that those aims are being met, and that expanding funded ELC improves the overall situation of families, especially those affected by poverty. It was also reported that parents believed ELC was beneficial for their child.  

Together continues to gather evidence from our members about existing gaps and barriers in ELC provision. If you have evidence to share, please get in touch with info@togetherscotland.org.uk.