Nursery Funded Hours in Scotland: What You Need to Know | 2026 Guide

Learn how to apply for the 1,140 hours of free nursery-funded early learning and childcare in Scotland. Get local council-specific guidance and eligibility tips.

How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in Scotland

In Scotland, the government offers funded early learning and childcare (ELC) to support families and promote child development. This initiative provides up to 1,140 hours of free childcare annually¹ for all three and four-year-olds, as well as eligible two-year-olds.

Understanding the eligibility criteria, timing and the application process is essential for you as parents who want to benefit from this support.

Who Is Eligible for 1,140 Hours of Free Nursery Childcare?

Three to Five-Year-Olds

All children in Scotland are entitled to 1,140 hours of funded ELC starting from the term after their third birthday, and continuing until they start school.¹ This universal offer is available regardless of family income or employment status.

Scotland groups each school year by children born between 1 March and the end of the following February, and they all start P1 in the same August.² That means children start school at a range of ages — some are still 4, others have already turned 5 — so this entitlement often runs into a child's fifth year, which is why you'll see it described as the offer for 3 to 5-year-olds.

If you defer school entry: if your child is 4 on the day they're due to start P1, you can delay their start and keep your funded ELC place for that extra year.² Because Scottish schools take in new pupils once a year, in August, your child then starts P1 at the following August intake — so they get an additional year of funded nursery, rather than joining school partway through. Check the exact number of funded hours for a deferred year with your council, as official guidance doesn't set this out.

This applies to any child who is still 4 when they're due to start, whatever month their birthday falls in. That's been the case since August 2023 — before then, only children with January or February birthdays were automatically entitled to the funded year, and August-to-December birthdays had to ask their council for it.³ Some older council pages and parenting guides still describe the old rule, so don't be put off if you come across it.

Two-Year-Olds

Some two-year-olds may also be eligible based on specific criteria:

Universal Credit

Your two-year-old can get funded ELC if you receive Universal Credit. If you work, your monthly household take-home pay must be £885 or less. Take-home pay means what's left after tax, National Insurance and pension contributions are taken off.⁴

Other Benefits Received

Your child may also qualify if you receive any of the following:⁴

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker'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

Care Experience

Children who are looked after by a local council, in kinship care, or have a guardian are eligible. Children of care-experienced parents may also qualify.⁴

Your local council may also offer funded ELC to families who don't meet the criteria above, so it's always worth asking.

How to Apply for Nursery Funded Hours in Your Council Area

The application process may vary by local authority. Below is a general guide:

1. Identify Suitable Childcare Providers

Use Nuuri to browse private nurseries partnered with your council. Only registered providers offer funded places. There are also council nurseries, afterschool clubs and playgroups that are not yet on Nuuri but benefit from funded hour eligibility.

2. Contact Your Local Authority or Provider

Application timelines differ across Scotland's 32 councils. Some open applications a year in advance, so it's wise to plan early. Check with your provider or local authority for deadlines.

3. Complete the Application Form

Download or collect the form from your chosen nursery or council website. Most councils now handle this online.

4. Submit Required Documents

Councils set their own evidence requirements, so check your council's list before applying. It typically includes:

• Your child's birth certificate or passport

• Proof of address (e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill)

• If applying for a two-year-old place, proof of the benefit you receive

5. Await Confirmation

Your local authority or provider will review your application and confirm your child's funded place.

Flexibility and Extra Costs

You can usually take your 1,140 hours in one of two ways:

• Term-Time Option: around 30 hours a week for 38 weeks.¹

• Year-Round Option: around 22 hours a week over 52 weeks.

Patterns vary by council and provider, so check what your setting offers. While the childcare itself is free, you may be charged for extras like meals, nappies or outings.

Important Tips

• Apply Early: Places can fill quickly, especially for the most popular settings.

• Once Eligible, Always Eligible: once your two-year-old has qualified for a funded place, they stay entitled to funded ELC right through until they start school — even if your circumstances change or you stop receiving the benefit that qualified you.⁵

• Check With Your Council: entitlements and application windows are set locally, so your council's website is always the definitive source.

Start your search today and find the perfect childcare setting for your family at www.nuuri.co.uk.

Sources

The figures on this page come from official government guidance. Entitlements and thresholds can change, and application windows are set locally, so always confirm the current rules on mygov.scot and with your council before applying.

Last updated: 11 September 2026