Childcare demand is a hot topic across the UK. But while England is often first in the spotlight when it comes to statistics and policy news, there’s been some announcements in Scotland. Here’s the reality behind the headlines, and why we believe trusted franchises are the most dependable way to be part of the rising demand!
Demand for nurseries in Scotland is on the rise, and the numbers prove it. The last published Scottish Household Survey Childcare report from 2024 – highlighted by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) – shows a clear shift in how Scottish families are choosing childcare. 32% of households with children aged up to five now use private nurseries, up from just 24% in 2018.
This growing need has spurred the government into action. In September 2026, as part of their new Programme for Government, the Scottish Government announced plans to transform their offer for childcare in Scotland. With the aim to reach families with children from nine months old through to the end of primary school, they hope to ease the cost of living, tackle child poverty and make it easier for parents and carers to work.
The delivery will be phased:
- A £44 million annual investment in primary school breakfast clubs from August 2027.
- After-school and holiday childcare for primary-age children from August 2029.
- A new £15 million Childcare Support Fund is also expected to help around 4,800 low-income families with costs.
For private nurseries, our reading is that the government are clearly signalling that early years care is a national priority and will be for years to come. What’s more, support from nine months sits squarely in the private nursery space, and any expansion of funded entitlement for under-twos is likely to increase demand for settings with baby and toddler rooms. Good news for nurseries like Banana Moon!
A proven framework for childcare in Scotland
While the future for Scotland’s childcare policy looks bright, we’re still awaiting the consultations and full details – and until next August at the earliest for the first actions. In that time, there’s a huge opportunity for trusted franchises to meet this surging demand.
Opening a nursery from scratch is hard. Registration with the Care Inspectorate, curriculum design, safeguarding, recruitment, marketing, finances – it’s a lot to get right alone, and mistakes in this sector carry real consequences for children and families.
That’s why childcare franchises in Scotland make so much sense. An established franchise gives you a proven operating model, tested systems and a support network, while you bring the local knowledge, the drive and the relationships. You’re running your own business, but you’re never doing it on your own.
Banana Moon success in Scotland
We recently caught up with Amanda Penny, an Operational Director in a successful multi-unit Banana Moon operation in Scotland. Settings operated by Amanda, together with fellow Director Will Hanekom, have had a strong last 12–18 months: growing their locations by 50%.
What’s more, four of their nurseries were recognised in the top 20 nurseries in Scotland by daynurseries.co.uk, built on reviews from parents and carers. Banana Moon Aberdeen International, Bridge of Don and Dyce were named in both 2025 and 2026, with Westhill awarded in 2026.
We’re proud to promote private childcare jobs in our communities, recruiting practitioners and leaders from the areas we serve and giving them a career path within a growing network.
”“Banana Moon genuinely believe in what they do. The focus is not just on business growth, but on supporting the children, families, staff teams and directors across the entire network.”
Amanda Penny, Operational Director
Meeting demand is only half the job
The realities of modern life means that families and communities are juggling work, cost-of-living pressures and the everyday challenge of finding good, reliable care for their little ones. Early years providers have a unique opportunity to bring people together, create meaningful connections and give children a genuine sense of belonging within the places they call home.
At Banana Moon, that’s something we’ve made central to how we operate – bringing the strength of a national brand with a local touch.
Community ties are built through relationships with local care homes, local professionals and community events – helping children build familiarity with trusted faces while turning everyday learning into real-world experience. We support parents throughout the year as well, with workshops on school readiness, toilet training, positive behaviour and additional support needs, delivered alongside local organisations.
One of the most memorable examples of community engagement for a Banana Moon nursery in Scotland was Aberdeen International’s recent ‘25 days of thank yous’ campaign. Children and staff hand-delivered thank you cards to neighbours, local organisations and individuals who had supported the nursery throughout the year, including their local gym, fire station and their very own nursery chef!
What’s more, over the last five years at Bridge of Don alone, fundraising efforts have generated more than £24,000 for local charities, community organisations and families in need, demonstrating the positive role a franchise business can play at the heart of local life.
Looking to the future
As demand for childcare in Scotland rises and it becomes an area of increased focus for government policy, we’ve been pleased to share what our journey so far in Scotland has taught us – and how being part of a trusted franchise can help entrepreneurs tap into new opportunities.