Concerns have emerged regarding the effectiveness of a government-funded pilot childcare project in Shetland. Local councillor Liz Peterson expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of long-term benefits resulting from the initiative. During a meeting with the Shetland Islands Council’s education and families committee, she voiced fears that funds were being wasted on short-lived activities.
Councillor Criticizes Childcare Pilot for Failing to Deliver Lasting Results
The Early Adopter scheme, designed to improve childcare in remote areas, has been rolled out in six local authorities across Scotland, including Shetland. The project aims to contribute valuable insights to national policy on childcare accessibility for families in rural locations. Funding of approximately £1.1 million has been allocated for the period between September 2024 and March 2026.
Concerns About Community Impact
Peterson highlighted that no substantial plans for a community-led childcare system had materialized in the Westside and North Isles, despite initial intentions. She acknowledged some projects, but fears that the funds are being spent on temporary solutions rather than creating lasting impacts for these vulnerable communities.
“My concern is that this money could end up being spent on one-off activities that offer no sustainable benefits,” Peterson stated.
Project Overview and Developments
The Westside and North Isles were chosen as focus areas due to identified obstacles in accessing childcare. Recent reports indicate activities initiated in the Westside, including a breakfast and after-school club at Happyhansel Primary School, as well as supervision at the Aith leisure center.
- In the North Isles, plans were made to hire additional nursery workers in Yell and Unst.
- The goal is to enroll a higher number of paid two-year-olds in the childcare settings.
Quality improvement officer Chloe Kerr reported that recruitment difficulties have negatively impacted project execution. However, she emphasized the importance of community involvement in driving success. A new community-driven club has been established in Sandness, highlighting the adaptability of the project to local needs.
Funding Challenges and Future Directions
Council leader Emma Macdonald pointed out the constraints of short-term funding. The pilot is set to conclude in March 2026, limiting the project’s long-term potential.
“We cannot develop a long-term solution under the constraints of this funding,” she commented.
Peterson posits that the Shetland Islands Council could have implemented initial childcare programs that community groups would maintain beyond the pilot’s duration. She expressed disappointment over missed opportunities for sustainable childcare arrangements.
Support from Local Leadership
Committee chair Dave Sandison contended that the primary goal of the initiative is to provide insights that will inform national policy. Meanwhile, committee vice-chair Catherine Hughson reported that First Minister John Swinney recognized the flexible application of the funding in the region during his visit last summer.
Overall, the Shetland Islands Council submitted its proposal for participation in the Early Adopter community initiative in 2022. Although the initial bid was unsuccessful, renewed engagement from the Scottish Government led to its inclusion in June 2023. Swinney previously remarked that the initiative aims to enhance access to childcare for families in need while exploring innovative delivery methods in rural settings.
