1. We are really struggling this week with what we are hearing and seeing, in the context of listening to the politicians spout popular policy rhetoric, listening to LA leaders boast about what they are doing and their priorities at the same time doing the exact opposite

2.There is spotlight shining brightly over how leaders view frontline EY workers just now.If an ELC professional and parent together view deferral as critical for the child's wellbeing, with clear evidence presented from both that an ELC is the best place to meet the Childs needs

3. How can LAs like @Edinburgh_CC ignore this? What is their view of ELC professionals? We already knew that they didn't value the contribution of parents from their history re funding deferrals but looking more closely at their responses to upset parents is really telling

4. However more importantly is how they value and view children at 4yrs old.The law is very clear as is the policy statement from @scotgov @MareeToddSNP @COSLA_CYP So,how can we have #UNCRC this year, #yearofchildhood, rhetoric around GIRFEC, supporting and engaging with families

5. Why is it ok for one LA to subject children and families to a blind folded obstacle course, where the end of the course is the worst outcome ever and other LA's do everything they can to help families? How does this exist? We are truly astounded, very sad and worried

6. The negative impact that all of this potentially has on children is of great concern, at a time when all the evidence already suggests higher risks of negative consequences of the pandemic restrictions on our youngest children, esp re mental health and wellbeing.

7. We are reading countless reports from ScotGov, scientists/ researchers, reputable organisations, Public Health ... on the research about what has happened this year to children and families. When it suits politicians they will talk about this and say more needs to be done

8. Yet there is a simple answer to this one area of a family's life, esp. for the child. We know LA's can fund all deferrals if they want, some done it last year. Edinburgh funded most of their deferrals last year. We go backwards in the worst time of our children's lives?

9. We will submit FOI's to gain a full picture of what has happened across Scotland this year, but it is very clear that something has gone wrong in Edinburgh this year. The volume of enquiries and requests for support is significant this year from parents in Edinburgh

10.The info being given to parents by Edinburgh is not in line with policy set out by Govt or Cosla. There is a significant lack of evidence in transparency + child centred practices and children's rights and GIRFEC is no where to be seen from some of the letters we have read

11.Please help us raise awareness about what is happening to c+f. It is hugely unfair and absolutely clear that EVERY child is not valued in the same way if only some with particular characteristics are lucky enough to access funds. Any support offered will be gratefully received

@Bruce_Adamson @CYPCS @antonia26cat @mcluckie_sarah @BeYonderLtd @Creative_Voices @cathymac59 @cisweb @connect_scot @parentclubscot @SYP_Equalities @parentforumscot @ObsChildRights @GilchristGeorge @P_H_S_Official @Henry_Hepburn @KateJohnston3 @macmairi3 @MoKaStHa @MrMcEnaney

@PlayScotland @ScotParents @UpstartScot @suzannezeedyk @tam_baillie @EdSteinerSchool @edinburghpaper @johnpaul796