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Government funded early education and childcare in Scotland is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. It can be accessed regardless of a child’s or their parent’s immigration status, including where a parent is subject to the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition.
The following funded childcare is available:
Children receiving funded early learning and childcare will receive a free meal as part of their funded childcare sessions.
Families in Scotland may also be able to access tax free childcare, although parents must meet relevant immigration requirements.
Some 2 year olds are eligible for funded early learning and childcare (ELC). This includes children who:
Qualifying benefits include:
Where a child cannot access funded childcare, for example because the family does not meet benefit requirements due to NRPF, the local authority may still have discretion to provide support in some circumstances.
Further information is available on the Scottish Government website.
All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare each year. This is commonly taken as around 30 hours per week during term time, although some providers offer flexibility.
Further information is available on the Scottish Government website.
Working parents in Scotland may be eligible for tax free childcare, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria, including immigration requirements.
Read more about tax-free childcare.
Page updated: 15 June 2026
