A spokesperson for the Scottish Executive confirmed that free places will be offered to the most at-risk two-year-olds in Glasgow, North Ayrshire and Dundee, including those living in poverty or who whose parents have drug problems.
North Ayrshire Council has received 500,000 to pilot the scheme over two years, starting this August. It is believed that up to 90 extra nursery places will be created at primary schools throughout the area, though no such details are yet available for Glasgow or Dundee.
The spokesperson said, 'We know that early intervention can really make a difference for children whose families need extra help and support. We have been in discussions with local authorities about a pilot scheme extending free nursery places to vulnerable two-year olds. We intend to announce full details within the next week few weeks.'
Currently, children aged between three and five are entitled to 12-and-a-half hours a week of free state nursery education.
Dr Bronwen Cohen, chief executive of the charity Children in Scotland, said that Scotland needs universal nursery services because it 'lags behind the kind of schemes offered in Scandinavia' that provide families with help and enable parents to work. 'This scheme would provide vulnerable children with a stimulating, creative environment.'
However, she added that she was concerned that 'if families are targeted in this way, then the youngsters could become stigmatised.'
In England, 15 local authorities have been involved in piloting free childcare for two- year-olds since April (News, 6 April). The scheme has been offered to families in areas of disadvantage, determined locally, with the aim of reaching up to 12,000 children.