Digital Economy Act 2017: Scottish Early Learning and Childcare

We’re seeking views from organisations and individuals on the proposed public service delivery objective under the data sharing provisions of the Digital Economy Act 2017. The aim is to enable data sharing between DWP, HMRC, the Scottish Government and Scottish local authorities to improve take-up of the targeted offer of early learning and childcare (ELC) in Scotland to eligible 2-year-olds.

Data sharing is envisaged to help identify households that are eligible for funded ELC and to inform them of their likely eligibility. This will improve take-up of the offer, ensuring that children and families facing the most disadvantaged are made aware of their entitlement. The expansion of funded ELC will deliver three main benefits for children and families: children’s development improves and the attainment gap narrows; parents opportunities to be in work, training or study increase; and family well-being improves through enhanced nurture and support

The territorial extent of this policy applies to Scotland only.

Ways to respond

You can respond to this consultation online.

Alternatively, you can use our list of suggested questions in section 22 to use when responding to this consultation to our email at dea-data-sharing@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept postal responses to this consultation unless there are exceptional circumstances. Send enquiries (including requests for the paper in an alternative format) to dea-data-sharing@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk

We welcome responses to the questions. This consultation closes at 7 March 2022.