Scottish Exchange of Data: early learning and childcare
Information and documentation relating to the provision of data for the annual early learning and childcare data collection.
Background
This data exchange requests information on funded early learning and childcare (ELC) provision from all local authorities. A list of centres providing funded ELC is used as a basis for the data collection and is confirmed with local authorities each July as part of the ELC pre-census. Data is collected on all centres providing funded ELC and the resulting early learning and childcare statistics are published here .
Key Information
|
Nature of Exchange |
Early learning and childcare centres and local authorities to Scottish Government |
|
Level |
Individual centres and local authority level |
|
Collection method |
ProcXed and Excel |
|
Census week |
Week commencing Monday 7 September 2026 |
|
Submission to Scottish Government |
By Friday 2 October 2026 |
|
Publication |
To be confirmed |
There are three part to the ELC census return for 2026:
- Centre level returns in ProcXed
- Local authority level return in ProcXed (to be completed by local authority central team)
- Local authority level return in Excel (to be completed by local authority central team)
There is a separate guidance document for each part of the return. Please see the links below.
ProcXed - Completing your Data Return
Your login for ProcXed comprises a username (your Care Service (CS) number provided by the Care Inspectorate including the letters CS) and a password. All login credentials will be provided by email. Individual emails will be sent to your registered centre address on the 1 September 2026.
We have published a user guide for ProcXed and a link to the login page to help with the process.
Excel - completing your Data Return
For 2026, an Excel local authority level return has been added. It is only local authority central staff that need to complete this. It should be completed and transferred to the Scottish Government through Objective Connect. (Login details will be set up for each local authority if you do not already have one.) Please email elccensus@gov.scot once you have uploaded your completed Excel return to Objective Connect.
Help
If you don't know your CS number, you can use the Care Inspectorate – Find A Care Service to look it up.
If you are having any problems please email: elccensus@gov.scot in the first instance, including your contact details and someone will reply to you as soon as possible.
