Guides
Early Years & Childcare
Funded hours, nurseries, childminders, and childcare costs
22 guides in Early Years & Childcare
Care Inspectorate Grades Explained for Scottish Parents
Understand how Care Inspectorate grades nurseries and childminders in Scotland, what the 6-point scale really means, and how to read an inspection report
Updated 20 May 2026
Early Years & ChildcareChildcare While Studying at University in Scotland
Student parents in Scotland can access the SAAS Childcare Fund, Lone Parents' Grant, funded hours and university hardship support. We break down
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareChildminder vs Nursery in Scotland: Which Is Right for Your Child?
An honest comparison of childminders and nurseries in Scotland — care style, group size, cost, regulation and which suits which child
Updated 20 May 2026
Early Years & ChildcareThe Real Cost of a 3-Year-Old's Nursery Place per Year in Scotland
Funded hours cover part of the bill — but most Scottish working families still pay thousands per year for a 3-year-old's nursery place. We walk through
Updated 20 May 2026
Early Years & ChildcareCouncil Nursery vs Private Nursery in Scotland
An honest comparison of council and private nurseries in Scotland — hours, costs, funding, and which works best for your family situation
Updated 20 May 2026
Early Years & ChildcareEligible Two-Year-Old Childcare in Scotland: Do You Qualify?
Find out whether your two-year-old qualifies for 1,140 funded childcare hours in Scotland. We cover the full list of qualifying benefits, the Universal
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareHow to Find a Registered Childminder in Scotland
Where to find a registered childminder in Scotland, why registration matters, and how to approach your first enquiry, visit and trial
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareUsing Your Funded Hours at a Childminder in Scotland
How your 1,140 funded hours work with a registered childminder in Scotland — finding a funded provider, who pays whom, holidays and combining with paid hours.
Updated 20 June 2026
Early Years & ChildcareWhy Some Councils Restrict Funded Provider Choice
Scotland's Funding Follows the Child model promises portable hours but the reality is messier. We explain why partner provider lists vary by council, why
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareWhat Happens to Funded Hours During School Holidays?
Term-time funded childcare hours stop during school holidays in Scotland — a fact that catches many working parents out. Learn the difference between
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareHow to Apply for Funded Childcare Hours in Scotland
A complete walkthrough of how to apply for your child's 1,140 funded hours through your Scottish local council. Learn when to apply, what evidence you
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareNursery Costs in Scotland 2026: Average Weekly Fees
The definitive 2026 guide to nursery fees in Scotland using Coram Family and Childcare Survey data. Compare weekly costs by age, region and city
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareNursery Tour: What to Look For Beyond the Care Inspectorate Grade
A practical guide for Scottish parents on what to look for, listen for and notice when touring a nursery — well beyond the published grade
Updated 20 May 2026
Early Years & Childcare12 Questions to Ask on a Nursery Tour
Twelve practical questions to ask on a nursery tour in Scotland, covering ratios, staff, settling-in, food, communication and costs
Updated 20 May 2026
Early Years & ChildcareSCMA and the Childminder Register in Scotland: What Parents Need to Know
Clearing up the common confusion: SCMA is a support charity, the Care Inspectorate is the statutory regulator. Here's what each one does for parents
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareSplitting Your 1,140 Funded Hours Across Two Providers
Scotland allows parents to split their child's 1,140 funded hours across up to two registered providers. Learn how splitting works in practice
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareStretched vs Term-Time Funded Hours: Which Model Is Right for You?
Scotland's 1,140 funded hours can be delivered as 30 hours a week during term time or stretched as around 22 hours a week across the full year. We compare
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareTax-Free Childcare for Scottish Parents: How It Works
Tax-Free Childcare gives a 20% government top-up worth up to £2,000 per child per year. We explain how Scottish parents can claim it, who qualifies
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareThe Under-3 Childcare Affordability Gap: Scotland vs England in 2026
Working parents of under-3s in Scotland now pay thousands more per year than equivalent families in England. We explain the policy gap, the numbers behind
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareUniversal Credit Childcare Element in Scotland (April 2026)
The Universal Credit childcare element covers up to 85% of childcare costs, with monthly caps rising to £1,071.09 for one child and £1,836.16 for two
Updated 20 May 2026
Early Years & ChildcareWhen to Apply for a Nursery Place in Scotland
When to apply for a nursery place in Scotland — council deadlines, private waiting lists, and what to do if you miss the cut-off
Updated 5 July 2026
Early Years & ChildcareSummer Holiday Childcare in Scotland: Options, Costs and Council Links
Scottish summer holidays run 6–7 weeks from late June. Options: holiday clubs, tax-free childcare, registered childminders, sports camps and funded hours
Updated 7 May 2026