Early learning and childcare funded hours: what’s your child entitled to?

If you are paying for more hours of ELC, check out additional sources of help on the get to grips with childcare costs and benefits page.

You can use your funded ELC hours to pay for any type of 'registered' childcare. This means childcare provided by individuals and organisations registered with the Care Inspectorate.

These include:

• nurseries
• playgroups
• childminders
• out of school care providers. 
   

You can use your funded hours to pay for any type of 'registered' childcare. So you can only use your funded hours to pay for a nanny if they’re registered with the Care Inspectorate.

No, the hours are an entitlement, not a requirement, so you can choose to take all or some of the hours available to you.

It all depends on your child's birthday. Three year olds are eligible to start funded ELC from the relevant start date, which is usually the first new term after their third birthday. 

Around a quarter of 2 year olds are also entitled, so it’s well worth checking with your local authority to see if this applies to you.

Some local authorities have one point in a year when they accept applications – for example, some ask everyone to apply in January. Some ask you to apply a year in advance – so it's a good idea to find out how far in advance you need to apply. Your child will still be entitled to a place if you miss the deadline, but it could be harder to get your first choice.

If your child's birthday is on or between 1 March – 31 August

They will be eligible from August (the start of the autumn term) that year – your local authority can give you exact dates.  

If your child’s birthday is on or between 1 September – 31 December

They will be eligible from January (the start of the spring term) following their birthday.  

If your child’s birthday is on 1 January – last day of February

They will be eligible from March/April (the start of the summer term) following their birthday. 

Local councils provide three start dates for a number of reasons. This includes ensuring smaller groups of children start at phased points, and to keep the system manageable and sustainable.

It's the responsibility of each local council to set their own local admission policies, including start dates. Remember that your local council might have its own rules on when your child can start, so some children may be able to start earlier. Use the dropdown list above to check what the rules are in your area.

If your child is still 4 years old on the date they are due to start primary school, you can choose to defer your child's entry to primary school by a year. Your child will be entitled to funded ELC during their deferred year. You can find out more about deferral here.

Yes, you can split your entitlement over different settings. For example you can use a childminder some days and school nursery for other days. It’s best to check with your local council about options in your local area.

Funded hours are free and you won't have to pay any fees in relation to your funded hours. 

Your setting may charge for additional extras but these will be optional and limited to, for example, snacks (excluding snacks provided through the Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme), costs of outings or extracurricular activities.

Many nurseries may have outdoor jackets or play suits which children can put on to go outdoors. 

If you're worried about how you'll be able to pay for the wee extras, such as coats and boots, why not check out the Best Start Early Learning payment as you might be eligible for a payment to help with costs like these.

If you have any questions about your child’s funded ELC, you should first speak to your child’s setting or the setting you would like your child to attend. You should also speak to your local authority as they have overall responsibility for providing funded ELC to children in their area. Even if your child hasn’t started funded ELC yet, if you have questions you can speak to a setting you want to apply to or to your local authority – you can find contact details for your local authority using the dropdown list above.

In addition to the 1140 hours, you may be able to get help with childcare costs through tax credits for childcare, tax-free childcare or universal credit for childcare. Visit the Childcare Choices website to find out more.