Parents and carers of eligible two-year-olds are being encouraged to make the most of the free early learning and childcare available to them across the Borders.
Places
Places are provided in some school nursery classes, private day nurseries, playgroups, child-minders, through the council's own services or in conjunction with providers in the private and third sectors.
The offer applies to children with parents or carers who receive:
- Income Support, Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Incapacity/severe disablement allowances, Pension Credit, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit where the monthly earned income does not exceed £850
Two-year-olds who are looked after by a local council, the subject of a kinship care or guardianship order are also eligible. As are children of a parent who has experience of care.
Councillor Julie Pirone, SBC’s Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning
“I would encourage any parent or carer of any two-year-old in their family who thinks they might be eligible for the free hours to check the council website now, to find out more about what is provided in their local area.
“We know that eligible children gain a great deal of experience and benefit from taking up their entitlement to free early learning and childcare hours. It allows them to develop their social, language and learning skills. I want to ensure that no one misses out on this opportunity.”
More information, and the eligibility application is available on Our early learning and childcare webpages.