Humza Yousaf has pledged to extend free childcare to one and two-year-olds if he becomes first minister.
The SNP leadership contender said he will use his first budget to expand free provision, with a goal of offering 22 hours a week throughout the year.
He also announced plans for a £25 million annual “helping hand fund” which would offer parents returning to work a £500 loan towards childcare costs.
Currently, three and four-year-olds can access up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year, which is around 30 hours a week in term time.
Some two-year-olds are also eligible for free childcare on a means-tested basis – with around a quarter of the age cohort having this entitlement.
