An Avondale councillor has called for a crackdown on “birthday discrimination” as South Lanarkshire Council look to secure education options for tots.
Councillor Margaret Cooper put forward a motion to halt how a child’s birthday affects their access to free early years education in relation to the ‘free at three’ scheme.
That sees children not aged three by the August or January intakes having to pay for early years education because of fixed admission dates.
Councillor Cooper said she hoped to “rectify the birthday discrimination that exists in South Lanarkshire” for kids under three, with the Independent group saying there is money available to do this.
However, the SNP administration suggest they would need to cost proposals to help make the changes in order to see if funding for this was available.
Speaking to the East Kilbride News, the leader of the Independent SLC group, Councillor Cooper said: “As a group we are delighted the Scottish government is committed to the expansion of early years education to 1140 hours per child by 2020.
“However, in South Lanarkshire this commitment is not as effective as it could be since the date of child’s birthday affects when that child can access Early Learning Childcare (ELC) without fees.
“Unlike surrounding councils like East Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire and City of Glasgow, children here can often wait several months after their third birthday to gain a free place in early learning.”
A council spokeswoman noted a new funding report had been presented to elected members “with further information on funding options to facilitate this initiative” last week.
SNP councillor Katy Loudon, chairwoman for education resources, dubbed any move to push forward the scheme “irresponsible”.
She said representatives had been told SLC was not in a position to agree such a large financial commitment, adding that no decision was to be made until the final grant settlement from the Scottish government was made clear.
She said: “Independent and Labour councillors ignored this warning, and pressed for an immediate decision. Calling on other councillors to green light multi-million pound projects without the full financial facts is highly irresponsible, and our constituents deserve better.
“Our SNP administration is committed to providing expanded, high-quality early years provision, and support the principle behind ‘free at three’.”
Meanwhile, the Tories have accused the SNP administration of being “reluctant” to take a firm line on the issue, insisting the council prepare to change the policy.
Councillor Mark McGeever, spokesman for the Conservative group, said: “This sensible approach shows our determination to be an effective and responsible opposition.
“We will neither endanger local services nor allow the SNP administration to dodge tough discussions with the SNP government.”
Labour leader Joe Fagan said his party “support efforts” to bring South Lanarkshire “into line with neighbouring authorities”.
