Your early learning and childcare options

Choosing an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provider is a big step for you and your child. The information here will help you decide which provider your child could attend. 

All 3 and 4 year old children, and some 2 year olds, are eligible for free ELC at an approved provider in Midlothian. This is funded by the Scottish Government.

In Midlothian, the scheme that allows some 2 year olds to have funded hours is called Good Time To Be 2.

You may wish to buy more hours at providers that offer this service. Many settings also have paid-for ELC for younger children too.

Providers of funded ELC in Midlothian

The different types of providers include:

  • School nurseries
  • Outdoor nurseries
  • Private (or Third Sector) nurseries
  • Childminders
  • Playgroups
  • Family learning centres

So you can be confident about choosing a place, all our funded providers must meet the National Standard. We work with them all to ensure they continue to meet this standard. They must follow national guidance, and have made plans for children to attend safely.

You will be able to access funded ELC at a provider of your choice depending on availability. 

What models of funded Early Learning and Childcare are available?

All school nurseries, and many other settings, offer 1140 hour funded places over the 38 weeks of the school term. This gives you up to 30 hours per week (about the same as primary schools).

Many private nurseries and childminders offer funded places for more than 38 weeks. All these settings are different, and give more flexibility and choice. Ask them about how they deliver the funded hours.

For example: a 1140 hour funded place over 50 weeks gives you just over 22½ hours a week.

Children are not entitled to a particular pattern of attendance, nor a place at a particular setting.

Funded places

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More information on childcare

 

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