A COSLA Spokesperson said: "This report shows that almost 20,000 children are already accessing increased hours of Early Learning and Childcare.

"Since this data was collected earlier this year, Councils have been continuing to implement their delivery plans ensuring that a skilled workforce and high-quality nursery settings are in place locally.

"Local authorities will work with local and national partners so that children and their families can benefit from almost double the number of hours of Early Learning and Childcare from August next year."