Early Learning and Childcare

When will my child's funding start?

Start date for three year old funded places

The government funding start dates are where a child's third birthday falls on or between:

  • 1 March and 31 August - they will become eligible for funding from August (autumn term) occurring in that year
  • 1 September and 31 December - they will become eligible for funding from January (spring term) following their birthday
  • 1 January and last day February - they will become eligible for funding from April (summer term) following their birthday

Information on eligible two year old start dates can be found on our Eligible two year olds webpage.

Session 2025/2026 start dates

2025/26 start dates based on date of birth
Age Start date of 20/08/2025 Start date of 05/01/2026 Start date of 20/04/2026
3 year old 01/03/22 – 31/08/22 01/09/22 – 31/12/22 01/01/23 – 28/02/23
4 year old 01/03/21 - 28/02/22 - -
Deferred Entry 21/8/2020 – 28/2/2021 - -

Contact Early Years Team

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800