FIRST Minister John Swinney has vowed to get more parents into work with an overhaul of childcare in a bid to “eradicate child poverty.”

Announcing his programme for government on Tuesday, Mr Swinney promised reforms focused for extending affordable and flexible childcare for families with children from nine months through to the end of primary school, backed by £44 million in annual funding from August 2027.

Spelling out his plans for the £44m annual investment in primary school breakfast clubs from August 2027, Mr Swinney visited Fintry Mains childcare and community hub in Dundee to announce the recipients of a £15m fund to support organisations to provide childcare for low income households.

Announcing a £15m pot to help organisations support around 4,800 low-income families with childcare costs, Mr Swinney said: “This forms part of our wider programme for government, which is focused on making tangible improvements to people’s lives by creating jobs, raising living standards and growing Scotland’s economy to help eradicate child poverty.”

Scottish Greens social justice spokesperson Holly Bruce has urged Mr Swinney to go further, tabling a Holyrood amendment calling for an immediate increase in the Scottish Child Payment from £28.20 to £40 a week, with a view to reaching £55 by the end of the parliament.

“For families struggling with soaring food, energy and housing costs, this would mean more money for warm clothes, healthy meals and the everyday essentials every child deserves,” she said.

“If the First Minister says he wants to eradicate child poverty, he should work with the Scottish Greens to deliver the bold investment families need and give every child the best possible start in life.”