Funded early learning and childcare - sustainable rates 2025-2026: data collection report
Sets out information provided by local authorities on the sustainable rates they have set for providers in the private, third and childminding sectors to deliver funded early learning and childcare (ELC) in line with guidance published for setting these sustainable rates.
Footnotes
1 Figure updated from 2024-25 Sustainable Rates Data Collection Report.
2 Angus Council pays an adjusted rate to voluntary sector playgroups operating from local authority premises at no charge. For 2025/26, the rates are £7.92 for children aged 2 years and £5.96 for children aged 3–5 years.
3 Argyll and Bute Council pay £8.76 (2 year olds) and £7.73 (3 -5 year olds) for settings not paying staff real living wage.
4 Dumfries and Galloway Council pay an additional £12.60 on top of the hourly rate for children requiring Additional Support.
5 In East Ayrshire Council an enhanced rate of £9.50 per hour is available for children with complex additional support needs.
6 Perth and Kinross Council increased rates in April 2025 to £6.63 for 2 year Olds and to £6.39 for 3-5 year olds. The rate was increased again in August 2025 to £6.79 for 2 year olds and to £6.55 for 3-5 year olds.
7 Renfrewshire Council provide a further £0.58 for each child, per session to funded providers, as part of the Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme.
8 Scottish Borders Council provide a further £0.10 per child to funded providers per day to support an afternoon snack, as part of the Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme.
9 East Renfrewshire Council offers a payment rate of £0.57 per hour, payable for up to 6 hours per session, resulting in a maximum payment of £3.42.
10 Falkirk Council pays a separate daily meal rate of £2.21 per child, specifically for children receiving funded ELC, and this applies to childminders only.
Contact
Email: elc@gov.scot