New evaluation research offers learnings for future childcare policy development
Published: 2 April 2026
2 April 2026: A new Evaluation Report based on research by the Centre for Public Policy and commissioned by Pregnant Then Screwed, assesses the impact of a policy decision by City of Edinburgh Council to restrict access to childcare provision for ‘cross‑boundary families’, offering learnings for future policy development and implementation.
2 April 2026: A new Evaluation Report based on research by the Centre for Public Policy and commissioned by Pregnant Then Screwed, assesses the impact of a policy decision by City of Edinburgh Council to restrict access to childcare provision for ‘cross‑boundary families’, offering learnings for future policy development and implementation.
The Evaluation Report is the result of research undertaken by the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Public Policy, commissioned by Pregnant Then Screwed.
Written by Centre for Public Policy researchers Dr Claire MacRae (Senior Lecturer), Dr Hannah Salamon (Research Associate), and Dr Dan Fisher (Research Associate), the report provides a snapshot of the early effects of a policy decision by City of Edinburgh Council to restrict access to childcare provision for cross‑boundary families.
Cross-boundary families are families who want to access their funded childcare entitlement with a provider located in a different local authority area from where they live.
The research offers learnings for future policy development and effective local implementation.
The evaluation looks at the effects of this policy change on parental access, affordability, and choice, in accessing childcare provision.
It identifies the challenges arising from the policy’s implementation, including impacts on childcare costs, parental employment opportunities, and patterns of childcare use for parents outside of Edinburgh.
Dr Claire MacRae, said: "In times of fiscal constraint and reduced budgets, local governments have tough choices to make in the allocation of funds and in policy decision making. Our report reveals that these decisions may have unintended consequences, for example, on the employment options for parentsand a reliance on wider networks to help.
“It underlines the value in putting individuals and families at the heart of decision-making and thinking through all of the broader ripple effects throughout the policy system before making often difficult financial choices.”
The Centre for Public Policy conducts academic research, impartial analysis, programme and policy evaluation, and facilitation. It works collaboratively with policymakers, practitioners, and academic researchers to support evidence-based decision-making and drive solutions to societal challenges.
To find out more, contact public-policy@gla.systa-s.com.
First published: 2 April 2026