What steps it is taking to ensure that childcare funding arrangements operate fairly for families with twins and other multiple births.

I note the interest across the chamber in ELC provision for twins and multiples, and acknowledge the overlap in answers being provided as I ensure members receive prompt answers on this important matter.I appreciate that the cost of childcare can be challenging for many families across Scotland, and that there can be an impact on family circumstances as a result of a multiple birth. Every child in Scotland deserves the best start in life, which is why the Scottish Government is committed to eradicating child poverty and giving families the support they need.Each year since 2021 we have invested around £1 billion in the delivery of high quality ELC to all eligible children and we are continuing to do so in 2026-27. We know high-quality early learning and childcare plays a vital role in improving outcomes for children, particularly those growing up in disadvantaged circumstances, and this is central to our mission to eradicate child poverty.Within the current offer, local authorities have discretionary powers which provide them with the flexibility to offer access to funded ELC to a wider range of childcare and families, as they see fit, according to local needs and priorities.With respect to future plans, we are seeking to transform Scotland’s childcare offer to better support families with the cost of childcare, for children from 9 months to the end of primary school. As Parliament agreed in May, this is a priority, and must be informed by learning from the expansion to 1140 hours and the voices of those who use and deliver childcare in Scotland. This includes families with multiple births.Our Programme for Government set out our intention to publish and consult on a blueprint for the future, building on learning from the last ten years of childcare design and delivery. This will be published next year, and I would encourage anyone with an interest, including families with multiple births, to participate in this consultation.