SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has today launched a survey for parents and caregivers of children 5 and under across the Western Isles regarding access to childcare.
Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:
“I know many parents across the Western Isles are struggling at the moment with accessing the childcare they need. Many families have been in touch with me in recent months detailing the difficulty they are experiencing in fulfilling work commitments due to a lack of childcare options locally.
“I hope the data from this short survey will be helpful in identifying the key areas of need, and indeed also identifying potential solutions. I know colleagues at the Comhairle have already been working hard in recent months to try and recruit additional childminders, for example, across many key areas. I will use the data gathered from this survey to continue working with local agencies and government colleagues to try and make progress for island families on this critical issue.
“This is not just an issue for parents themselves – inability to access affordable childcare has a huge impact on the local economy and workforce, and therefore on the sustainability of our island communities for the future. In tackling depopulation across our islands, childcare access is a critical factor in retaining young families. I would be grateful if as many Western Isles parents and caregivers as possible could complete this survey by the end of this month to help create as full a sense of the childcare picture in our islands at present.”
The survey can be accessed here (available until the 31st May):
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WNXVZMP
Additional comments on the issue can be made via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and the Western Isles’ MSP would welcome any meeting requests from parents and caregivers who would like to discuss this issue further with him.
