Scotland can take the lead again in services for young children

THE credit crunch is not just affecting workers and homeowners, it is also having an impact on children. As the financial situation worsens, nurseries and other services for young children funded through parents' fees are likely to find themselves under threat.

It is in this context that the Scottish Government and Cosla's early-years' framework, due for publication this autumn, becomes of critical importance.

In 1997, Tony Blair promised "nurseries for every neighbourhood" as part of New Labour's visio...