THE Scottish Government announcement that there will be an extra £1.5 million investment for more nursery teachers and graduates in deprived areas across Scotland has been welcomed by Kinglassie MSP, Jenny Gilruth, with Fife set to receive 28 additional teachers or graduates.

The new staff in Fife, part of 435 nationwide, is part of the wider strategy of tackling the attainment gap and giving every child an equal start in life.

The provision of extra high qualified childcare professionals will ensure that Fife’s young people benefit from the highest quality care and early years education, said the Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP.

The Scottish Government is, she said, taking decisive action to improve early years learning and childcare, including expanding guaranteed free provision from 1140 hours to 2020 hours – which will have a positive impact for families across Fife.

Commenting, Ms Gilruth said: “This new funding is very welcome news for Fife, helping to ensure that more children in our most deprived communities are able to benefit from specialised childcare and high quality early years learning.

“The Scottish Government is committed to closing the attainment gap, and targeting funding in this way, as well as expanding the guaranteed free childcare provision from 1140 hours to 2020 hours, is important in making this happen, and to ensure that every child across Fife gets an equal start in life".

She added: “The 28 new graduates or teachers that will be joining our workforce in Fife will help improve childcare provision in our communities, and I look forward to seeing the Scottish Government continue to invest in our children’s futures.”

Ms Gilruth joined Dunfermline MSP, Shirley Anne Somerville in a visit to a nursery to speak to parents about the planned investment in staffing.