- £15 million to help low-income households pay for
childcare
Third sector organisations across Scotland are being invited to
apply for a grant as part of a new £15 million Childcare Support
Fund to help low-income families manage the cost of childcare.
The fund will provide short-term, flexible childcare through
registered childcare providers, supporting families living in, or
at risk of, poverty. This will ease the financial pressures
of childcare costs which can act as a barrier to employment,
training or learning.
The new fund is one of a range of measures set out in the
Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope,
Building Futures, which will help drive further progress in
eradicating child poverty.
This one-year fund is designed to top up existing support rather
than replace current entitlements such as free childcare hours
and Universal Credit childcare payments.
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise said:
"Every family deserves the security of knowing their child is
well cared for, but for too many low-income families the cost of
childcare creates real pressure at already difficult times.
The Childcare Support Fund will help families who are struggling
with childcare costs at difficult times such as a change in job
or family circumstances, to support access to training, or during
a major life event like bereavement or illness.
Organisations which are successful in applying for grants will
support families to find the right childcare and help cover the
cost. The fund is open to help families with children aged from
nine months to the end of primary school.
I would urge relevant third sector organisations to apply, and I
look forward to seeing this funding reach the families who need
it most over the coming months.
By the end of this Parliament we will be delivering a brand new
offer of childcare for families 52 weeks a year. This will reduce
the cost burden and ensure our childcare system is flexible to
suit family life.
Background
Applications are open to third sector organisations that can
demonstrate the capacity and capability to deliver at pace during
the 2026-27 financial year. The fund will complement, not
duplicate, existing childcare entitlements and financial support
including the 1,140 hours early learning and childcare
entitlement and the childcare element of Universal Credit.
The application window closes at midnight on 9 July 2026.
A webinar for third sector organisations and local authorities
will be held shortly after the fund opens to support awareness
and answer questions from potential applicants.
Successful applicants are expected to be notified in late July
2026, with funding beginning to flow to families over the summer.
Childcare Support Fund: how to
apply - gov.scot
