Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) – parents' views and use: research findings 2025

Key definitions

The definition of ‘early learning and childcare’ (ELC) in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 is: ‘a service, consisting of education and care, of a kind which is suitable in the ordinary case for children who are under school age, regard being had to the importance of interactions and other experiences which support learning and development in a caring and nurturing setting’.

• Funded ELC is used to describe the funded entitlement to up to 1140 hours of ELC, for all three- and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds, as set out in the 2014 Act. Funded ELC is delivered by a wide range of providers including nurseries and playgroups, from across the public, private and third sectors and by childminders, and is regulated by the Care Inspectorate.
• Eligible two-year-olds refers to those entitled to the 1140 hours of government funded ELC. A two-year-old will be eligible if they are (or have been since their second birthday) looked after by a local council, are the subject of a kinship care order or a guardianship order, the parent receives certain benefits, or the parent is care experienced.
• Paid-for childcare (or ELC) refers to hours of regulated childcare/ELC purchased by parents from providers. This could either be additional hours of childcare/ELC purchased on top of the entitlement to 1140 hours of funded ELC, or childcare/ELC purchased for children who are not yet eligible for funded ELC (e.g. those aged under three). This could include a nursery, playgroup, or childminder.
• Informal childcare is childcare provided by friends or family that is not regulated. It can be regular or ad hoc.
• Nurseries typically provide daycare facilities for children aged up to five years. Nurseries are normally used by parents and carers on a regular basis rather than a drop-in basis and the service is provided as a minimum during the school term. Nurseries can take several forms, such as a private nursery, a public sector nursery class or nursery school or a nursery that is part of an independent school.
• Additionally, there are other forms of unregulated early learning and/or childcare. These include opportunities for parents and children to attend together, for example ‘stay and play’ groups or other ‘family learning’ activities.