Government-funded early education and childcare in Scotland is not classed as a 'public fund' for immigration purposes, so can be accessed by a child or their parent regardless of their immigration status.
The following schemes are available to families in Scotland:
Children in receipt of funded early learning and childcare will also receive a free meal on the days they attend.
Families in Scotland can access tax-free childcare, but the parents will need to meet an immigration requirement.
Eligible 2-year-olds can access 1,140 hours free childcare through funded early education and childcare providers (ELC).
A child or family will be eligible if:
The qualifying benefits are:
If a 2-year-old is unable to access ELC-funded childcare, such as because the family cannot receive qualifying benefits due to the NRPF condition, they should contact the local authority as councils do have discretion to offer childcare services to a child who does not meet the ELC criteria such as to children from disadvantaged groups.
For more information see the government webpage on eligibility for 2-year-olds.
All 3 and 4-year-olds can access up to 1,140 hours free childcare each year through funded early education and childcare providers (ELC). This is approximately 30 hours per week if taken during term time. Read more on early education and childcare on the Scottish government website.
Working parents in Scotland may be eligible for tax-free childcare. Read more about tax-free childcare.
Page updated: 17 June 2025
