The Scottish Government has launched a new £15 million Childcare Support Fund aimed at helping low-income families with the cost of childcare during periods of financial hardship. The fund is designed to provide short-term, flexible childcare support to families living in, or at risk of, poverty.
Who Can Benefit from the Fund?
Ministers said the funding is intended to help parents facing financial pressures that can make it difficult to work, take part in training or continue with education. The support is expected to help families dealing with significant life events such as illness, bereavement, a change in employment or other challenging circumstances.
The fund is open to support families with children from nine months old through to the end of primary school. The Scottish Government said the funding is designed to help families at key moments when childcare costs can become a barrier to employment, learning or training opportunities.
How the Fund Will Be Delivered
The fund will be delivered through third sector organisations working with registered childcare providers to help families access childcare and cover the associated costs. Organisations which are successful in applying for grants will support families to find the right childcare and help cover the cost.
Support could be available where families experience a sudden change in circumstances, including a new job, changes to working hours, relationship breakdown, illness or bereavement. The fund is aimed at helping families overcome childcare barriers that may prevent parents from increasing their income, returning to work or accessing opportunities to improve their financial situation.
Ministerial Statement
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Siobhian Brown 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."
Complementing Existing Support
The Scottish Government said the fund is intended to complement existing childcare support rather than replace it. Families will continue to have access to Scotland's existing funded childcare entitlement of 1,140 hours a year for eligible children, as well as childcare support available through Universal Credit and other schemes.
Application Details
Applications for the new fund are now open and will close on July 9. Third sector organisations interested in taking part must demonstrate they have the ability to deliver support quickly during the 2026-27 financial year. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in late July, with funding beginning to reach families over the summer.
The Childcare Support Fund forms part of the Scottish Government's Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope, Building Futures. Ms Brown added: "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."
Full details on how to apply for the Childcare Support Fund can be found on MYGOV.SCOT.
