New cost-benefit analysis shows benefits of Open Kindergarten
As part of phase 4 of our Open Kindergarten work, the Fraser of Allander Institute conducted a value for money analysis of Open Kindergarten, finding the project could deliver substantial social value.
Open Kindergartens are a long-standing concept in parent support in the Nordic countries. Groups of parents, carers and their young children meet regularly in family centres and are supported by highly-qualified early years staff who work alongside specialists to develop parents’ skills, confidence and knowledge. Over 2025, project delivery partners, Midlothian Sure Start delivered 15 groups across Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian and Edinburgh, delivering 228 sessions, reaching 249 parents and carers and 312 children. The value for money analysis uses the delivery accounts and evaluation evidence from this phase.
Through their analysis, the Fraser of Allander report finds Open Kindergartens could generate social and economic value. The report explores three themes: parental mental health, isolation and loneliness and early identification of family difficulties. The report concludes that by preventing a small amount of this thorough Open Kindergarten, it can have large savings in the long term for society and families.