What support it provides to protect rural nurseries from the threat of closure.

The Scottish Government is providing a range of support to enable nurseries, including rural nurseries, to have a positive and sustainable future. As a result of the substantial investment already made to support the expansion of early learning and childcare we have seen local authorities significantly increase their hourly funding rates to private and third sector providers with average rates for delivery of the current funded entitlement of 600 hours increasing by 26% over the two years to August 2019.
Financial support is also being provided through the 100% business rate relief for premises wholly or mainly used as day nurseries that we introduced in April 2018.
Our Delivery Support Plan sets out other ways that we are helping the sector prepare for the expansion in funded entitlement, and we continue to work closely with the sector to identify where further action may be required.
In addition, the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires local authorities to consult with the local community on proposals to close a nursery or all nursery classes in a school under their management. Ministers have powers to call in certain proposals for review by an independent panel. Additional protections for rural schools cover nursery classes within such schools.