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. You may be able to get more funded hours in your area, or access them earlier as the Scottish Government is adding more funded hours.

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

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

If your child is 2 or almost 2 years old

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.

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 2022, if you are on Child Tax Credit:

• but not Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £17,005 or less
• and Working Tax Credit, then your earnings can be £7,920 a year or less

If you are on Universal Credit, then your household take-home pay can be £660 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.