The Scottish Government has launched the Childcare Support Fund, a £15 million fund for 2026/27 designed to help low-income families access childcare and reduce financial pressures at key times.
The fund aims to support families who are living in poverty or at risk of poverty by providing flexible, short-term childcare through registered childcare providers.
The funding is intended to help families manage changes in circumstances and access opportunities such as employment, education and training.
What Can the Fund Support?
Funding can be used to provide childcare support where families are experiencing:
- Changes in working patterns
- Changes in family circumstances
- Disruptions to existing childcare arrangements
- Barriers to accessing education or training
The fund aims to improve the affordability, availability and flexibility of childcare for families most at risk of poverty.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Third sector organisations delivering services in Scotland
- Voluntary and community organisations
- Registered charities
- Social enterprises
- Mutuals and co-operatives
- Partnerships of third sector organisations
What Can Funding Be Used For?
Funding can support:
- Childcare places delivered by Care Inspectorate registered providers
- Staff costs associated with engaging and supporting families
- Project delivery and co-ordination costs
- Reasonable equipment and project costs
Why It Matters
Access to affordable childcare can play a crucial role in helping parents and carers enter employment, participate in training and education, and improve family wellbeing.
The fund contributes to Scotland’s efforts to tackle child poverty by reducing childcare costs and supporting children and families to thrive.
Find Out More
Full guidance, eligibility information and application details are available on the Scottish Government website.
