What does childcare look like elsewhere?

October 16, 2024, 15.00 – 16.30

Throughout the past year, the Scottish Women’s Budget Group has been exploring different aspects of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) policy in Scotland, from affordability to flexibility (or lack thereof) of services. We have also looked at the positive impact that investing in childcare can have on the economy in the short-term through increased job creation and labour supply, as well as in the long-term by ensuring that children get the learning that they need for their development.

And while we have touched on some international examples, the question remains: what does childcare look like elsewhere?

Join us for the fourth and final webinar in our series on childcare as we discuss what we can learn from other countries’ experiences of ELC models. Presented and moderated by our Policy and Engagement Lead, Carmen Martinez, the event will offer key insights about affordability and accessibility of childcare in Canada, Estonia and France, and will explore the extent to which childcare policies in these countries support greater gender equality and educational outcomes for children.

International speakers will share their expertise with us:

• Susan Prentice holds the Duff Roblin Professor of Government at the University of Manitoba, where she is also Professor of Sociology, and former Margaret Laurence Chair in Women’s Studies. She is one of Canada’s leading experts on childcare policy, publishing widely. Susan will discuss recent changes in Canada’s childcare system with a focus on what’s working well and any unintended consequences of the policy. Susan will also provide some insights into the fiscal gains that Canada has seen as a consequence of greater investment in childcare.
• Nathalie Casso-Vicarini, early childhood educator and founder and managing director of the association “Ensemble pour la petite enfance”, will share her expertise on France’s childcare system, drawing attention to the specific actions that can help address child poverty.

• Maila Rajamets, Head of Early Childhood Education, and Ülle Matsin, Head of the Educational Policy Department at the Ministry of Education and Research, Estonia, will present on Estonia’s innovative kindergarten system, and how kindergarten fits in within the broader country’s education system.

Who should attend?

Scottish and Local Government officials, elected members, party researchers, and any other policymakers, including civil society organisations, with an interest in childcare and creating an economy that works for families.

We had to account for the time differences between mainland Europe and Canada, so this webinar will start at 3pm BST. As always, we would love our members, parents, and particularly mothers, to attend this event!

How can I register?

You can find the link to Eventbrite here.

This webinar series is supported by Oxfam Scotland