This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-41560397

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Nicola Sturgeon to promise childcare provision 'unmatched' in UK Nicola Sturgeon to promise childcare provision 'unmatched' in UK
(about 11 hours later)
Nicola Sturgeon will say the SNP's commitment to childcare is "unmatched" in the UK as she announces spending will double by 2020.Nicola Sturgeon will say the SNP's commitment to childcare is "unmatched" in the UK as she announces spending will double by 2020.
Scotland's first minister will use a keynote speech at the party's autumn conference to flesh out plans to expand free early learning and childcare. Scotland's first minister will use her speech at the party's conference to flesh out plans to expand free early learning and childcare.
The Scottish government has pledged to almost double free provision to 30 hours a week. She will also make the case for independence, arguing it is time to "put Scotland in the driving seat".
It would apply to three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds. And she will say the party's focus is now on "the next decade and beyond".
Ms Sturgeon will tell delegates in Glasgow the move would save working parents about £350 a month on the costs of childcare. Ms Sturgeon's speech, which is scheduled for 15:20, will be broadcast live on the BBC website, and on BBC2 Scotland.
The Scottish government has pledged to almost double free provision to 30 hours a week. It would apply to three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.
Ms Sturgeon will tell delegates in Glasgow the move will save working parents about £350 a month on the costs of childcare.
More SNP conference coverageMore SNP conference coverage
She is expected to say: "Often when I have talked about this policy, I've been asked - sometimes sceptically - if we will really be able to fund it properly.She is expected to say: "Often when I have talked about this policy, I've been asked - sometimes sceptically - if we will really be able to fund it properly.
"Well, today, we put our money where our mouth is. Over the past few months, we have undertaken detailed work to assess the investment needed."Well, today, we put our money where our mouth is. Over the past few months, we have undertaken detailed work to assess the investment needed.
"Right now, we invest around £420m a year in early years education and childcare. I can announce today that by the end of this parliament, that will rise to £840m a year."Right now, we invest around £420m a year in early years education and childcare. I can announce today that by the end of this parliament, that will rise to £840m a year.
"This is a commitment unmatched anywhere else in the UK. And it's the best investment we can make in Scotland's future.""This is a commitment unmatched anywhere else in the UK. And it's the best investment we can make in Scotland's future."
Ms Sturgeon will say her government has "led the way" during its decade in power and the party's focus was now "on the next 10 years and beyond".Ms Sturgeon will say her government has "led the way" during its decade in power and the party's focus was now "on the next 10 years and beyond".
'Uncertain path'
Transformational policies are needed to equip Scotland for the future in a rapidly changing world and with Brexit looming, she will add.Transformational policies are needed to equip Scotland for the future in a rapidly changing world and with Brexit looming, she will add.
Ms Sturgeon is expected to say: "That world around us is being shaped by events that no country on its own can hope to completely control.Ms Sturgeon is expected to say: "That world around us is being shaped by events that no country on its own can hope to completely control.
"But we face the added uncertainty of a UK now being driven down the most uncertain path in modern times."But we face the added uncertainty of a UK now being driven down the most uncertain path in modern times.
"We know that Scotland does better when decisions are taken here in Scotland."We know that Scotland does better when decisions are taken here in Scotland.
"So as we look ahead we face a choice: We can trail in the wake of the change that is coming - or we can choose to shape our own future."So as we look ahead we face a choice: We can trail in the wake of the change that is coming - or we can choose to shape our own future.
"Let's resolve this today: Let's not wait for others to decide for us. Let's put Scotland in the driving seat.""Let's resolve this today: Let's not wait for others to decide for us. Let's put Scotland in the driving seat."
Ms Sturgeon's speech will be closely scrutinised for clues to how the Scottish government intends to find the funds for increased public spending.Ms Sturgeon's speech will be closely scrutinised for clues to how the Scottish government intends to find the funds for increased public spending.
BBC Scotland understands that ministers are reviewing the income levels at which people begin to pay higher rates of tax.BBC Scotland understands that ministers are reviewing the income levels at which people begin to pay higher rates of tax.