THE Scottish Government has published legislation guaranteeing 600 hours of free nursery care for three- and four-year-olds, six years after the SNP's pledge.

The Children and Young People Bill, unveiled yesterday, will also increase protection for vulnerable youngsters by requiring health boards and councils to appoint named health and social workers to support them.

The childcare guarantee is expected to start in April 2014. It was first promised in the SNP's 2007 election manifesto.

Announcing the bill, Children's Minister Aileen Campbell said: "This will improve care and support to children and families across the country."

However a leading children's charity said it did not go far enough to protect children, while councils voiced concerns over cost.

Jackie Brock, chief executive of national agency Children in Scotland said: "There are significant gaps in supporting improvement for all vulnerable pre-schoolchildren and children with additional support needs.

"We believe a more effective framework for children's rights is needed and will be calling for improvements to the bill in these areas."

Cosla, the body representing councils, said a deal on funding had been struck. But Douglas Chapman, Cosla's education spokesman, added: "No Scottish Government ... can know how much money will be available in future spending reviews but once the bill is passed, local government will legally have new duties to deliver, regardless."