The number of children accessing funded early learning and
childcare (ELC) is continuing to rise, new figures have shown.
A total of 94,655 children aged two to five were accessing funded
ELC in September – up from 93,902 in August 2022 – with 85,051
(90%) of them benefiting from using the full 1,140 hours
available.
The latest delivery report from the Improvement Service also
shows a year-on-year increase in the numbers of 2 year olds
accessing a funded ELC place, with the proportion of 2 year olds
accessing more than 600 hours increasing from a previously record
high rate of 94% in 2022 to 96% in 2023.
Children’s Minister said:
“Since August 2021, all councils in Scotland have been offering
1,140 hours of high-quality funded early learning and childcare
to all eligible children. The continued high uptake of the
Scottish Government’s expanded childcare provision is positive
news – we know high-quality early learning benefits children by
supporting their development.
“Scotland’s fully-funded childcare package is the most generous
anywhere in the UK – making an important contribution to
household finances when many families are struggling with cost of
living pressures. Importantly, this progressive policy also
supports parents or carers into work, training or study.
“The Scottish Government is continuing to work closely with our
partners both in local government and the wider sector to ensure
our early learning and childcare offer continues to make a
difference for children, parents and carers.”
Background
ELC Delivery Progress Reports |
Improvement Service
