Early learning and childcare that's free to you

Your 2, 3 or 4 year old could benefit from 1140 hours a year of early learning and childcare (ELC). This is free to you, funded by the Scottish Government. That works out at about 30 hours a week if you use it during school term-time, or around 22 hours a week if you use it year-round. And you can access it at nurseries, childminders, or playgroups – or a mix of these! It just depends on what’s available near you.

Our page on entitlement to funding has more information.

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Contact your local council

See how they can get this much more time to play and learn

What are the big benefits of early learning and childcare?

Early learning and childcare gives your wee one a real boost in confidence and independence, as well as building on their language and development. It’s a great way for them to make friends and play with lots of other children, while learning new things.

It can also give you the time to develop your skills, go back to work, get stuff done around the house, or even just to recharge your batteries.

Find out more about the benefits of ELC

In this short video, childminder Emma Stewart discusses the benefits of childcare.

In this video, mum Keren Wyllie explains how the 1140 hours benefits her daughter Runa, who has complex support needs.

Here, Keyworker Deborah Laird talks about how she supports Runa at nursery, to give her the best possible experience.

Where to begin with choosing early learning and childcare

Choosing childcare for your wee one can feel a bit daunting, and you might not know where to begin. So, it can be really helpful to visit a few local nurseries, childminders or playgroups, to help get a feel for a place. If you want to do this, phone ahead to make an appointment, so they can organise for one of their staff to show you around and answer any questions. You are able to access your funded hours at nurseries, childminders, or playgroups – or a mix of these!

You might also find useful:

How to prepare for the first day of nursery or childminder

You might feel nervous about how your wee one will settle in or be worried about leaving them for the first time. However you feel, there are things you can do to help you both prepare for this new experience.

Image of two young children sitting at a table and playing with toys together.

Early learning and childcare leaflet

You can download our leaflet summarising the information on this page here.

You can find more advice on coping with increasing energy bills, managing rent, support for families, health and wellbeing, benefits and one-off payments and more at gov.scot/costoflivingsupport