A Fife councillor has accused the SNP / Lib Dem administration in Fife Council of leaving young people at risk after they cut over a £1m from early years support in Fife. The Lochgelly and Cardenden councillor said ‘ It is widely accepted that to ensure these vulnerable young children get a equal chance to make the most of their education support needs to be provided in these early years that is why we believe this cut is so damaging.
‘Research tells us that like the construction of a house, our brains are built from the bottom up – early year experiences literally shape how the brain gets built. If we are to ensure the most vulnerable children are to enjoy the same life chances as other children they need this early years support. This cut will mean many of these young children will not get that critical support and may never meet their full potential.’
The cut will result in Fife council being one of the worst councils in Scotland for their provision of early year support for vulnerable 0 – 3 year olds. The cut will also impact the council ability to admit children soon after their 3rd birthday breaking their commitment to ‘free at 3’.
Councillor Hood who is also the Fife Labour’s Finance spokesperson also pointed at the economic impact of cutting early years support ‘the Scottish Government last year stated that a failure to effectively address the needs of a child in early life could result in a nine fold increase in costs to the public purse. Once again the administration running Fife council have shown themselves to be penny rich but pound poor and are failing to protect the most vital of services to the most vulnerable members of our communities’
In conclusion Mr Hood said ‘ you really need to question the long term commitment to education in Fife from the the SNP / Lib Dem administration. They seem willing to go against conventional professional wisdom to cut this important service, yet are happy to hand out £52 per week wage increase to senior officers.’
