1. Scotland

Free Early Learning and Childcare (ELC)

In Scotland, all 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to up to 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare each year. This equates to around 30 hours per week during term time, or it can be spread across the year. Some 2-year-olds are also eligible for free childcare if they meet certain criteria, such as if their parents are on certain benefits, including:

• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit (with an income threshold)

Parents can choose to use the free hours in a variety of settings, including nurseries, playgroups, and childminders, as long as they are registered with the local authority.

Tax-Free Childcare

In addition to free hours, parents in Scotland (as well as the rest of the UK) can benefit from Tax-Free Childcare. Under this scheme, the government tops up 20% of your childcare costs, meaning you pay 80p for every £1 spent on childcare. You can receive up to £2,000 per year, per child (or £4,000 if your child has a disability). To be eligible, both parents (or a single parent) must work and earn at least £152 per week but less than £100,000 annually.

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

For low-income families, the Best Start Grant offers a one-off payment to help with early learning and childcare costs. It’s available to families on certain benefits, and payments are given at three key stages: pregnancy and birth, early learning, and starting school. Best Start Foods provides help with healthy food purchases, which can indirectly alleviate some financial pressures around childcare.

2. England

Free Early Education Entitlement

In England, all 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 570 hours of free childcare per year, which is typically offered as 15 hours per week over 38 weeks. Working parents may also be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week if both parents are working and earning at least £152 per week (with an income cap of £100,000 per parent). The extended 30-hour entitlement can be used with registered childminders, nurseries, or schools.

Support for 2-Year-Olds

Some 2-year-olds in England are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare if their parents receive certain benefits like:

• Income Support
• Universal Credit (with household earnings below £15,400 annually)
• Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (with a similar earnings limit)

Additionally, children who are looked after by local authorities or have special educational needs (SEN) may qualify for free childcare from age 2.

Tax-Free Childcare

Like in Scotland, parents in England can also access the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, offering a 20% government top-up on childcare costs. The eligibility criteria are the same: both parents must work, with minimum and maximum income thresholds.

Universal Credit Childcare Element

Parents on Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs, with a maximum limit of £646 per month for one child and £1,108 for two or more children. This can be used in conjunction with free childcare hours, making it a lifeline for low-income families.

3. Wales

Free Childcare for 3- and 4-Year-Olds

In Wales, the Childcare Offer provides working parents with up to 30 hours of free early education and childcare per week for 3 and 4-year-olds during term time, and up to 9 weeks of childcare during school holidays. To be eligible, both parents (or a single parent) must work and earn a weekly minimum of £152, with an upper earnings limit of £100,000 per parent.

Flying Start Programme

For families in some of the most disadvantaged areas in Wales, the Flying Start programme provides free childcare for 2- to 3-year-olds. This programme offers 12.5 hours of free childcare per week during term time and focuses on helping children from lower-income households get a strong start in their education.

Tax-Free Childcare

Parents in Wales are also eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, with the same conditions as in Scotland and England, including the 20% top-up and the earnings thresholds.

Childcare Support Through Universal Credit

Similarly to England, parents in Wales who are receiving Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs, with the same maximum monthly limits of £646 for one child or £1,108 for two or more children.

Conclusion

Whether you live in Scotland, England, or Wales, there are numerous government schemes available to help with the cost of nursery childcare. From free early education hours to the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, families across the UK can find financial support to make childcare more affordable. To ensure you're receiving all the help you're entitled to, it's important to check the eligibility criteria for each scheme and apply in good time, as some schemes require registration ahead of the nursery term.

By taking advantage of these schemes, parents can ease the financial burden of childcare and focus on what matters most—their children's development and well-being.

For a detailed breakdown of nursery costs based on your specific needs, use our Nuuri Cost Calculator.

For advice on managing nursery waiting lists, check out our Nursery Waiting Lists Guide.

To learn more about what to look for on Nuuri nursery profiles, see our Nursery Search Checklist.