Applications for early years clothing grants for academic year 2026-27 will open on Tuesday 16 June 2026 for children due to access a place from the start of the new term in August 2026 (children whose date of birth is between 1 March 2022 and 31 August 2023 and any children accessing an additional year of early learning and childcare who meets the eligibility criteria).
The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday 10 July 2026, payment of the grant will be made on 27 July 2026.
Please note the grant is only paid once per academic year.
When to apply
Funding has been allocated for the 2026-27 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 Tuesday 16 June 2026 for children due to access a place from the start of the new term in August 2026.
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