Applications for an early years clothing grant open on Monday 2 November 2026 for:
- children starting their three-year-old place in January 2027, born between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023, and
- parents who missed the June deadline to apply
Applications are open until 4pm on Friday 20 November 2026. If you miss this deadline you can apply again in February 2027.
When the grant will be paid
The grant will be paid week beginning 14 December 2026.
Please note: The grant is only paid once per academic year. If you have already applied and received the 2026–2027 grant, any further application will be declined.
When to apply
Funding has been allocated for the 2026–2027 financial year, and a £75 clothing grant is now available to eligible three and four year olds attending early learning and childcare (ELC) setting in East Ayrshire.
The clothing grant will be offered in three phases, depending on when your child starts:
- June – prior to August 2026 start date.
- November – prior to January 2027 start date.
- February – prior to April 2027 start date.
Please only apply once your child’s ELC place has been confirmed.
Eligibility criteria
A one-off £75 payment is available for each eligible child whose family circumstances meet the criteria below:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit where monthly earned income is up to £1,560
- Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
How to apply
Online applications will open on Monday 2 November 2026 and remain open until 4pm on Friday 20 November for children accessing a place from the start of the term in January 2027.
Apply for the early years clothing grant
Supporting evidence
When you apply, you must upload a screenshot or photo as supporting evidence of your eligibility. Please have this ready, as you won’t be able to complete your application without it.
Bank details
You will also need to provide your bank details so we can issue your payment by BACS. This should also:
- be uploaded as a screenshot or photo, and
- must clearly show your name and address, or your payment may be delayed