What this indicator measures

This indicator assesses Scotland’s progress towards providing accessible, affordable and flexible childcare for primary-aged children outside normal school hours. It looks at availability, affordability, regulatory frameworks, targeted support, level of funding and whether a national policy framework is in place.

Key findings

• No national system for out of school childcare currently exists. While the Scottish Government has piloted approaches in a small number of communities, these remain early-stage developments rather than a national programme.
• Provision is inconsistent. Some families can access after-school clubs or holiday programmes, while others, particularly in rural and island communities, have little or no provision.
• There is limited clarity about whether future provision will be universal or primarily focused on low-income families.
• The gap between the stated ambition and families’ lived experience is significant. Many parents cannot rely on a stable, affordable and flexible childcare option outside school hours.

Impacts on families

• Lack of availability restricts employment options, particularly for women, who are more likely to work part-time due to childcare constraints.
• Holiday periods and after-school hours are particularly challenging, often leaving families without any formal childcare support.
• Families living in rural areas face the greatest barriers due to low population density and the absence of sustainable provision.

Accessibility considerations

Parents in research undertaken by the Scottish Women’s Budget Group reported high levels of dissatisfaction with existing provision. In one local study, seventy-seven percent of parents with children aged five to eleven said current out of school childcare did not meet all their needs.

Budget context

• While some funding has been directed towards early pilot areas, there is no dedicated national budget for a full system of out of school childcare.
• Without sustained investment, pilot activity has limited impact on overall accessibility and reach.

Lived experience

Parents in research undertaken by the Scottish Women’s Budget Group reported high levels of dissatisfaction with existing provision. In one local study, seventy-seven percent of parents with children aged five to eleven said current out of school childcare did not meet all their needs.

Overall interpretation

Despite strong policy commitments, Scotland does not yet have a functioning out of school childcare system. The absence of national policy, combined with inconsistent availability and limited flexibility, creates significant barriers for families and mothers particularly. The low score reflects early developmental progress but limited impact on the ground. Further investment and a clear national approach are required to ensure families can access reliable, affordable childcare beyond school hours.