How to Apply for Funded Childcare Hours in Scotland

Applying for your child's funded early learning and childcare hours can feel daunting, particularly if it is your first time navigating the Scottish system. The good news is that the process is the same regardless of which of Scotland's 32 councils you live in: 1,140 funded hours per year for every three- and four-year-old, plus eligible two-year-olds. The bad news is that each council runs its own application portal, has its own deadlines, and prioritises places in slightly different ways.

This guide walks you through the application process step by step, explains when to apply, what evidence you will need, and what to do if things do not go to plan.

Who applies and where

Funded childcare in Scotland is delivered by local councils, even though the policy and the funding come from the Scottish Government. That means your application goes through the council where your child lives, not through a national portal. Search "[your council name] funded childcare application" to find the correct form. Most councils now have an online application system, though some still accept paper forms through nurseries and family centres.

Your child is entitled to 1,140 funded hours per year from the term after they turn three. Eligible two-year-olds can start a term after their second birthday, provided the family meets the qualifying-benefits criteria covered in our separate guide on eligible two-year-old places.

Intake dates: when your child can start

Scotland uses three intake dates each year, determined by your child's date of birth:

A child born in October, for example, will be entitled to start funded hours in the January after their third birthday. A child born in April will start the August after their third birthday — meaning they may already be three and a half by the time their hours begin.

Step 1: Decide what kind of provider you want

Before applying, think about whether you want a council nursery, a funded private or third-sector nursery, or a registered childminder. All three can deliver your 1,140 hours under the "Funding Follows the Child" model, provided the setting has signed up as a funded partner and meets the National Standard. Council application forms usually let you list one or more preferred settings.

Step 2: Gather your evidence

Have the following ready before you start:

• Your child's birth certificate or passport
• Proof of your home address (council tax bill, tenancy agreement or utility bill from the last three months)
• Your National Insurance number
• For eligible two-year-old applications: a benefit statement or award letter dated within the last three months
• For looked-after children or kinship carers: a letter from your social worker or the council

Some councils also ask for a photo of the child, immunisation status, or details of any additional support needs.

Step 3: Submit your application

Online applications take roughly 20-30 minutes. You will be asked to rank your preferred settings, usually up to three. List a realistic mix: a popular setting as first choice is fine, but include at least one option you know has capacity in case your top choice is oversubscribed.

After submitting, you should receive an acknowledgement within a few working days. The council then matches applications to available places, taking siblings, catchment area, and additional support needs into account.

Step 4: Receive and respond to your offer

Most councils issue offers 6-10 weeks before the intake date. You will get a letter or email naming the setting, the number of hours offered, and whether the place is term-time or stretched. You then accept or reject the offer within a fixed window — usually 7-14 days. Failing to respond can result in the place being offered to someone else.

If you accept, the nursery will contact you to arrange settling-in visits. If you reject, you can request to go on a waiting list for your preferred setting or ask the council to find an alternative.

If your preferred setting is full

Oversubscribed nurseries are common in urban areas. If you do not get your first choice:

• Accept the offered place to secure 1,140 funded hours
• Ask to be added to the waiting list for your preferred setting
• Consider splitting your hours between two providers (covered in our separate guide)
• Consider a registered childminder, where availability is often better

Your right to appeal

If you believe the council has made the wrong decision — for example by refusing the only setting that meets your child's additional support needs — you can submit a placing request appeal. Appeals are heard by an independent panel and the council must justify its decision. Citizens Advice Scotland and Enquire can help with the paperwork.