Funded Places for
2 Year Olds
Helping you understand eligibility and access funded early learning and childcare at Toybox.
Supported Early Learning
In Scotland, all children aged 3 or 4 are entitled to funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) until they start school. However, funding is also available for many 2-year-olds to give them a gentle, supported start to their early education.
As a registered provider, Toybox proudly offers these funded spaces. Even better, to support our families, we provide a simple, nutritious lunch completely free of charge for any child attending under a funded 2-year-old space.
Is My Child Eligible?
Your child can access a funded place from the term after their 2nd birthday if they meet any of the following criteria set out by The Highland Council:
1. Care and Placement Status
Children aged 2 or over are automatically eligible if they are:
- Looked after by a local authority.
- Living in kinship care.
- Under a guardianship order.
- Care-experienced themselves, or have a care-experienced parent or carer.
2. Qualifying Benefits & Income
You may also be eligible for a funded space if you, as the parent or carer, receive any of the following:
- Universal Credit (with an earned income below £995 per month).
- Income Support.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
- Incapacity Benefit.
- Severe Disablement Allowance.
- State Pension Credit.
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Support for Asylum Seekers).
Applying is Simple
Funding is managed directly by The Highland Council, and the online application form is very straightforward to complete.
- Check Your Eligibility: Review the list above to see if you qualify.
- Apply Online: You can complete the simple application form directly on the council website using the link below.
- Get in Touch with Us: Once you have started your application or if you want to check our current space availability for funded 2-year-olds, please let Louise and the team know so we can plan ahead for your child’s space.
Unsure if you qualify or need a hand?
Navigating funding can be tricky, but we are always here to help our community. If you have any questions about how the hours work or need assistance with the process, please reach out to us.