Moray Council approves increase to Early Learning and Childcare sustainable rates for 2026/27
Moray Council has approved an increase to the sustainable rates paid to its Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) partner providers from April 2026.
The uplift supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to fair pay for childcare staff in private and third-sector settings, including childminders, and helps ensure they can continue to be paid the Real Living Wage.
From April 2026, the sustainable hourly rate for funded three-to five-year-olds will increase from £7.45 to £7.84, and for two-year-olds from £8.94 to £9.40.
In reaching the decision, councillors considered both the council's locally calculated methodology and the Scottish Government’s nationally approved uplift. The committee agreed that applying the Scottish Government approach provides the most appropriate and sustainable method, as it aligns with national guidance and reflects the funding provided to councils to support staffing costs.
Moray will also increase funding to its three developmental nurseries, Noah’s Ark, Teddy Bear, and Ladybird, helping to support children with additional needs.
Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Children, and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “This is a positive investment in Moray’s children and in the dedicated staff who care for them every day. Childcare staff play a key role in supporting children and families every day. By increasing these rates, we’re helping to ensure families across Moray can continue to access the high-quality, funded childcare they’ve come to expect, and are entitled to, in the region.”