Improving children’s outcomes is the top priority in Wales-Scotland agreement
Tackling child poverty and improving outcomes for children and families is the top area for co-operation as agreed by the Welsh and Scottish governments.
The First Ministers of Wales and Scotland, Rhun ap Iorwerth and John Swinney, met on 14 September to sign an historic agreement which set out areas in which they can work together on matters of common interest.
The Cytundeb Caerdydd or Cardiff Agreement – named after the city where they met to agree their areas of collaboration – sets out seven areas in which they two nations intend to collaborate:
- tackling child poverty and improving outcomes for children and families
- addressing cost of living pressures and improving living standards
- promoting sustainable, inclusive economic growth
- fiscal arrangements
- tackling climate change and strengthening resilience
- international engagement, including with the EU
- language, culture, media and sport.
NDNA is keen to continue working with both Governments, in particular having learned lessons from the expansion of funded childcare in England.
Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said: “We are delighted to see that the first area of co-operation between the Welsh and Scottish Governments in the Cardiff Agreement will be improving outcomes for children and families.
“In our manifestos ahead of the Senedd and Holyrood elections last year, we prioritised children’s outcomes and proposed that their perspective and voice must be considered when developing policy.
“As both countries are currently developing plans to expand government-funded early education and care, they can work together to address challenges, share best practice and adopt learnings from previous national initiatives.
“As the only early years membership organisation across the UK, NDNA looks forward to working with both countries as the prime partner to help them shape policy which works for children, families and providers.”
First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said: “Today’s agreement sets out areas of shared interest on which we as First Ministers and our respective governments will collaborate in the coming years, to strengthen democracy and improve outcomes for the people of Wales and Scotland.
“While Wales and Scotland are on different constitutional journeys, we both share a commitment to strong, accountable devolved government, and to a relationship between the governments of these islands built on trust and mutual respect.”
John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, said: “The signing of the Agreement is an important moment in the history of devolution. It will improve the way the Scottish and Welsh Governments work together on our shared priorities so we can deliver better outcomes for the people we serve.
“The Agreement reflects a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Distinct approaches will still be necessary, but we share common goals and a commitment to learning from each other.”
- Scotland
- Wales
- NDNA
- Scotland
- Wales
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