Early Learning and Childcare

Funded by the Scottish Government through your local authority, high quality early learning and childcare helps give your little one the best possible start.

Funded by the Scottish Government through your local authority, high quality early learning and childcare helps give your little one the best possible start. It will help with your child’s language and social skills, encouraging them to learn through play with other children.

At Happy Feet Nursery, all 3 and 4 year olds, and around a quarter of 2 year olds can get up to 1140 hours of Early Learning and Childcare, funded by the Scottish Government.

Eligible 2yr old Funding

Some 2 year old children are entitled to a funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) place if they meet one of the following criteria:

Children with experience of care

Funded ELC is available for children who:

Are looked after by the council

Are in kinship care

Have a guardian appointed

If a parent has experience of care, their 2 year old may also be eligible.

Families receiving certain benefits

Your 2 year old may qualify if you receive one of the following:

Income Support

Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Incapacity Benefit

Severe Disablement Allowance

State Pension Credit

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Support for Asylum Seekers)

If you receive Universal Credit, you may still be eligible depending on your earnings.

From 1 April 2025, your “Income as reported by employer” on your Universal Credit payment statement must be £850 per month or less.

Please note: If you are asked to provide proof of income or benefits as part of your application, this must be submitted within two weeks. Applications may be cancelled if supporting evidence is not provided within this timeframe.

Once your child qualifies for funded 2 year old ELC, they will remain eligible even if your employment or circumstances change.

3yr and 4yr old Funding

All 3 & 4yr olds are entitled to 1140hrs. The current eligibility criteria for ELC is:

Children who are 3yrs old between 1 March and 31 August are eligible for 1140hrs funded placement from mid-August.

If your child’s birthday falls between 1st September and 28th February, your child will receive their funding entitlement on the Monday following their 3rd birthday.

How to Apply

Please contact Happy Feet Management for an application form or call us to chat about your requirements:

Larkhall: 01698 313 111
Larkhall email: info@happyfeetnursery.com

Carluke: 01555 700 700
Carluke email: carluke@happyfeetnursery.com