Edinburgh

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Childcare and Family Support

Resources available for childcare, parenting support, and family benefits.

Sections

1. Childcare and Family Support Programs in Edinburgh

a. Free Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) for Children Aged 3-4 Years

  • What it is: The Scottish Government provides up to 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare per year for all children aged 3 and 4, as well as eligible 2-year-olds.
  • Eligibility:
    • All children aged 3 and 4 are eligible.
    • Some 2-year-olds are eligible if their parents/guardians receive certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support, or Jobseekerโ€™s Allowance).
  • How it works:
    • The free hours can be used at registered nurseries, childminders, or playgroups that are part of the scheme.
    • Hours can be spread across the year (e.g., 30 hours per week during term time or fewer hours spread across the full year).
  • Costs: Free for eligible families.
  • How to apply:
    • Contact your local council (City of Edinburgh Council) or the childcare provider directly.
    • Applications are typically made through the councilโ€™s website or by contacting the Early Years team.

b. Tax-Free Childcare

  • What it is: A UK-wide scheme where the government contributes up to ยฃ2,000 per year per child (or ยฃ4,000 for children with disabilities) to help with childcare costs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Parents must be working and earning at least ยฃ152 per week (each) but less than ยฃ100,000 per year.
    • Children must be under 12 (or under 17 if disabled).
  • How it works:
    • Parents set up an online childcare account and pay into it.
    • For every ยฃ8 paid in, the government adds ยฃ2.
  • Costs: Free to set up; parents only pay for the childcare costs not covered by the government.
  • How to apply:

c. Universal Credit (Childcare Element)

  • What it is: Financial support for low-income families to cover up to 85% of childcare costs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Parents must be eligible for Universal Credit and working.
    • Childcare must be provided by a registered provider.
  • How it works:
    • Families can claim up to ยฃ646 per month for one child or ยฃ1,108 for two or more children.
  • Costs: The remaining 15% of childcare costs must be covered by the family.
  • How to apply:
    • Apply through your Universal Credit account or by contacting your work coach.

d. Child Benefit

  • What it is: A monthly payment to help with the costs of raising children.
  • Eligibility:
    • Available to anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if in full-time education or training).
    • No income limit, but families earning over ยฃ50,000 may have to pay back some of the benefit through a tax charge.
  • Rates:
    • ยฃ24.00 per week for the eldest/only child.
    • ยฃ15.90 per week for additional children.
  • How to apply:
    • Apply online or by post using the form available on the UK Governmentโ€™s website: Child Benefit.

e. Scottish Child Payment

  • What it is: A payment of ยฃ25 per week per child under 16 for low-income families.
  • Eligibility:
    • Families must be receiving certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support, or Housing Benefit).
  • How to apply:

f. Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

  • What it is:
    • Best Start Grant: A series of one-off payments to help with the costs of pregnancy and early years (e.g., Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment, and School Age Payment).
    • Best Start Foods: A prepaid card to help buy healthy food for children under 3.
  • Eligibility:
    • Families must be receiving certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support).
  • How to apply:

2. Local Considerations and Resources in Edinburgh

a. Childcare Providers

  • Edinburgh has a wide range of childcare options, including nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs. Use the Scottish Family Information Service to find registered providers in your area: Scottish Family Information Service.

b. Support for Working Parents

  • Many employers in Edinburgh offer Childcare Vouchers or flexible working arrangements. Check with your employer to see if they participate in these schemes.

c. Community and Voluntary Support

  • Local charities and community groups, such as Home-Start Edinburgh, provide free support to families with young children, including home visits, parenting advice, and emotional support.

d. Parent and Toddler Groups

  • Edinburgh has numerous parent and toddler groups where families can meet, socialize, and access informal support. Check local community centers or libraries for listings.

e. School-Age Childcare

  • For children aged 5-12, after-school clubs and holiday programs are available. Costs vary, but some families may qualify for financial assistance through Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare.

3. Application Tips and Advice

  • Plan Ahead: Some programs, such as free ELC, have application deadlines. Contact your local council early to secure a place.
  • Keep Documents Ready: You may need proof of income, benefits, or residency when applying for benefits.
  • Use Online Tools: Websites like Turn2Us and EntitledTo can help you check your eligibility for various benefits.
  • Seek Advice: If youโ€™re unsure about your eligibility or need help with applications, contact Citizens Advice Edinburgh for free guidance.

4. Costs and Affordability

  • While many programs offer free or subsidized childcare, families should budget for any additional hours or services not covered by benefits.
  • Average childcare costs in Edinburgh (2023):
    • Full-time nursery: ยฃ1,000โ€“ยฃ1,200 per month.
    • Childminders: ยฃ5โ€“ยฃ7 per hour.
    • After-school clubs: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ15 per session.

5. Key Contacts

  • City of Edinburgh Council: For free ELC and local childcare options.
  • Social Security Scotland: For Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant, and Best Start Foods.
  • Citizens Advice Edinburgh: For free advice on benefits and applications.

By taking advantage of these programs and resources, families in Edinburgh can access affordable childcare and financial support to help with the costs of raising children. Let me know if you need further assistance!