Co-designing Glasgow’s All Age Childcare

13th February 2025

Celebration Event

Last week, alongside our partners, Glasgow City Council, Daisy Chain, 3D Drumchapel, and Early Years Scotland we hosted a Celebration Event to thank families for contributing to the All Age Childcare co-design project in Glasgow.

For twelve months, citizens were supported to contribute to a future all age childcare system that incorporates childcare, activities and food provision guided by the Scottish Approach to Service Design.

The event was held in the city centre of Glasgow at The Studio, where childcare was provided so parents could participate in the activities. This provision was committed throughout the co-design process to make participation accessible.

We began with a speech from Heather Douglas, the Head of Early Learning and Childcare at Glasgow City Council, who praised the project for shedding light on real-life challenges that haven’t been highlighted before. Referencing the report, Heather went on to say that there were recommendations that could be actioned.

We heard case studies from the lead partners – each focusing on a different family and their circumstances, with suggestions for how they could be better supported in future.

On the day, we were joined by colleagues from Inspiring Scotland and HSCP, in addition to Glasgow City Council, who helped facilitate some reflections with our co-designers.

There was also time for some games, songs and yummy food and everyone had a go at adding to our interactive mural.

The Report

At the end of the co-design process, the lead partners reported their findings through case files, pictures, drawings, diagrams, and infographics. While there is some overlap, each report offers valuable insights into its respective area’s unique context and nuances.

GCVS has collated these reports into the final Co-designing of Glasgow’s All Age Childcare Report.

The Executive Summary provides an overview of the report’s key points, but we encourage you to read the full version to gain a richer insight into the unique circumstances of the families involved.

Our Quick Guide to Co-designing with Families will also provide insight into the planning process and examples of good practice to consider when conducting your own community design projects.

The co-design process fostered strong community engagement, trust, and collaboration. Families valued the opportunity to shape services, and lead partners reported a deeper understanding of community needs. Financial and practical support, such as childcare and meal provisions, enabled greater participation.

Next Steps

Findings from this report will be shared with decision-makers at both local and national levels, including the Head of Early Learning & Childcare at Glasgow City Council and the Directorate for Children & Families at the Scottish Government. Recommendations advocate for a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable all-age childcare system that addresses affordability, availability, and accessibility challenges for families in Glasgow.

If you have any questions, please contact policy.engagement@gcvs.org.uk.