Childcare Support Fund: how to apply
This grant funds short-term, flexible childcare through registered childcare providers, to support low income families living in, or at risk of, poverty at key times when childcare costs create financial pressure or are a barrier to employment, training or learning.
Overview
The Childcare Support Fund is a £15 million, single-year grant for 2026 to 2027 designed to support low-income families who are living in poverty or at risk of living in poverty by helping them manage the cost of childcare and reduce financial pressures at key times.
The Fund contributes to the drivers of child poverty reduction set out in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, in particular increasing earned incomes, reducing costs of living, and supporting children and families to thrive. It also supports participation in education and training, with potential wider benefits including supporting access to work.
Funding will be used to fund flexible, short-term childcare through registered childcare providers at key points of transition or challenge. This includes circumstances such as disruptions to existing childcare arrangements, changes in working or family circumstances, or where support is needed to access education or training.
The Fund focuses on families most at risk of poverty, including priority family groups identified in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, and aims to address gaps in the affordability, availability and flexibility of childcare.
The closing date for applications is 9 July 2026.
Contact
Email: schoolagechildcare@gov.scot