Funded early learning and childcare

Funded early learning and childcare is free to parents, but funded by the Scottish Government.

You can get up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year (around 30 hours a week in term time) if your child is 3 or 4 years old. Some 2 year olds are also eligible.

Visit your local council's website to find out what is available in your area.

Find out about funded hours

There are different funded childcare schemes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If your child is 2 or almost 2 years old

Once your child qualifies for early learning and childcare, they'll stay qualified - even if you get a job or if your situation changes in other ways.

Local councils may offer funded early learning and childcare to people who do not meet the criteria on this page. Check with your local council to find out what happens in your area.

Funded early learning and childcare is available for 2 year olds in certain situations.

If you or your child has experience of care

Funded early learning and childcare is available for 2 year olds who have experience of care. This includes children who either:

are looked after by a local council
are in kinship care
have been appointed a guardian

If you as a parent have experience of care, your 2 year old can also access funded early learning and childcare. If you think you qualify or want more information, contact your local council.

If you get certain benefits

Your 2 year old can also get funded early learning and childcare if you get one of these benefits:

Income support
Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Incapacity Benefit
Severe Disablement Allowance
State Pension Credit
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Support for Asylum Seekers)

If you receive tax credits or Universal Credit, then you can earn a certain amount of money and still be eligible. These income thresholds change annually.

From 1 April 2024, if you are on Child Tax Credit:

but not Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £19,995 or less
and Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £9,552 a year or less

If you are on Universal Credit, then your household take-home pay can be £796 a month or less.

"Take-home pay" is the money your household receives from work after tax, National Insurance and any pension contributions have been taken off. Your award letter will tell you how much your take-home pay is for the claim period. This should be £796 a month or less.

How to claim your funded early learning and childcare place

Visit your local council's website to find out how to claim your funded early learning and childcare place.

Find out how to claim your funded place

More information