Early learning and childcare expansion: evaluation
Research and analysis about the evaluation of the expansion of funded early learning and childcare.
Introduction
From August 2021, the entitlement to funded early learning and childcare for all three and four year olds and eligible two year olds increased from 600 to 1,140 hours a year (30 hours a week if taken term time).
We publish a range of research and analysis as part of the programme of evaluation of the early learning and childcare expansion.
Evaluation strategy and reports
We published an Evaluation Strategy that set out our plans for measuring the impact of expanding early learning and childcare to 1,140 hours, and reports on our findings. The report on the 2018-2025 National Outcomes Evaluation was published in March 2026. It is the overarching report that aims to synthesise and present the main findings relating to the outcomes of the expansion of funded ELC over the period 2018 to 2025.
- Expansion of funded early learning and childcare to 1140 hours: 2018-2025 national outcomes evaluation
- Early Learning and Childcare Expansion to 1140 hours: Interim Evaluation Report
- Early learning and childcare expansion programme: evaluation strategy
- The expansion of early learning and childcare: evaluation report 2017
Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare
The Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare (SSELC) is a research project established to evaluate the expansion of funded early learning and childcare in Scotland. It is the primary mechanism within our evaluation strategy for obtaining evaluation data on child, parent and family outcomes.
- Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare: final report
- Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare: Phase 6
- Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare: Phase 5 Report
- Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare: phase 4 report
- Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare: Three-year-olds (Phase 3) Report - Updated 2021
- Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare: ELC Leavers (Phase 2) Report - Updated 2021
- Scottish Study of Early Learning and Childcare: Phase 1 Report - Updated 2021
Parents' views and use
These publications present findings from research undertaken to explore use of, and views on, early learning and childcare among parents and carers of children in Scotland who have not yet started school.
- Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) – parents' views and use: research findings 2025
- Early learning and childcare - parents' views and use: survey findings 2022
- Parents' views and use of early learning and childcare: report 2017
- Decisions influencing early learning and childcare use: understanding social policies and social contexts
Role and impact of childminding services
As part of the evaluation strategy, a qualitative research study was undertaken that aimed to develop the evidence base on the impact of childminding services on child, parent and carer, and family outcomes.