121,101 children were in funded Early Learning and Childcare places in Scotland at the end of April 2022 – an increase of 9,527 since January 2022. ( Early Learning and Childcare Expansion Delivery Progress Report, February 2022)

Scotland’s Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said:

“It is clear funded ELC is making a real difference to families – particularly at a time when so many are struggling with the rising cost of living.

“Crucially, high quality ELC also helps to provide children with skills and confidence to carry into school education, and is a cornerstone for closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

Funded childcare was expanded in Scotland on 1st August 2021. It is available to all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds who need it most.

The number of children reported to be receiving funded ELC in April 2022 was 121,101:

• 97% (117,780 children) were reported to be accessing more than 600 funded hours
• 87% (104,923 children) were reported to be accessing 1140 funded hours

The number of 3 to 5-year-olds reported to be receiving funded ELC in April 2022 was 113,944 children:

• 98% (111,108 children) were reported to be accessing more than 600 funded hours
• 87% (99,173 children) were reported to be accessing 1140 funded hours

The number of 2-year-olds reported to be receiving funded ELC in April 2022 was 7,157 children:

• 93% (6,672 children) were reported to be accessing more than 600 funded hours
• 80% (5,750 children) were reported to be accessing 1140 funded hours

More Jobs

The expansion of funded childcare is mostly provided by local authorities and has seen an increase in jobs.

Local authorities reported that as of April 2022 the number of jobs in Early Learning in local authorities was18,421 FTE (full time equivalent) across Scotland:

Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Children and Young People’s spokesperson said:

“I’m pleased that today’s figures confirm that over 121,000 children are accessing additional funded early learning and childcare hours from Scotland’s Councils and their partners. The increased availability of funded early learning and childcare is allowing children more time to play and learn, and more opportunities for parents and carers to work, study or volunteer, as well as significant financial savings for families. 

“I particularly welcome that there has been a 15% increase in the number of eligible two-year-olds accessing increased hours between April 2021 and April 2022, as we know this will provide support for children and families who will benefit most.”