The Scottish Parliament

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S6W-44442

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 March 2026
Current Status: Answered by Natalie Don-Innes on 19 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to eliminate the reported "postcode lottery" regarding the start dates for funded early learning and childcare (ELC) hours, and what specific support is available for parents of twins who turn three years old mid-term but are forced to pay for two full-time places for several months until the following term's intake.

Responsibility for delivering 1140 hours of funded ELC sits with local authorities, who have a statutory duty to consult with families in their area about how they should make ELC available.

Current arrangements for when children become eligible for funded early learning and childcare (ELC) are set out under the Provision of Early Learning and Childcare (Specified Children) (Scotland) Order 2014. Three-year-olds are eligible to start funded ELC from the relevant start date, which is usually the term after their 3rd birthday, and does not vary in relation to the number of siblings.

Local authorities have powers to provide funded ELC from an earlier date, if they choose to do so.

At a national level, the Scottish Government funds earlier access to ELC for eligible two-year-olds – those we believe will benefit the most – based on a range of research which shows that while attending high quality ELC improves outcomes for all children, children facing the most disadvantage, benefit the most.

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Question reference: S6W-44442

Answer