Pre-school children attending eligible settings (those registered with the Care Inspectorate and who have also registered with us (Falkirk Council) for the new Scheme) for 2 hours or more per day will receive milk or a specified alternative and a healthy snack (a portion of fruit or vegetables).

Registered settings will receive upfront payments based upon the anticipated cost of provision from the Scottish Government (via Falkirk Council).

The Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme will replace the UK Nursery Milk Scheme (NMS) in Scotland on 01 August 2021. The new Scheme is underpinned by the Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2021 which came into force on 21 March 2021.

It is expected that payments will be made on or shortly after 01 August 2021.


Who can apply?

The Scheme is available to all regulated settings offering pre-school day care, regardless of whether they receive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) funding. Registration for all eligible ELC Settings or childminders should take place by 01 August 2021. Registrations after this date will be accepted with any eligible payments back-dated to the date registration is received.

Once a setting has registered for the Scheme, it is expected that this registration will remain valid unless and until the setting confirms in writing or electronically to Falkirk Council that it wishes to withdraw from the Scheme.

Day care settings may apply to register for the Scheme where they:

  • Provide pre-school care to children for 2 hours or more per day.

  • Are registered with the Care Inspectorate.

  • Are based in Falkirk Councils catchment area.

Companies with multiple ELC Settings will have to register for each setting.


Who can't apply?

The following childcare settings will not be eligible to receive the benefits offered through the Scheme:

  • Children who attend regulated childcare settings who have not registered with us to be part of the Scheme.

  • Children who attend unregulated childcare settings (those not registered by the Care Inspectorate).

  • Children who attend a setting for less than 2 hours on an individual day.

  • Children in receipt of childcare but who have commenced school or an equivalent (eg home-schooling).


Register

We have now opened registrations for the Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme. If interested you can apply for an application form by emailing:


As part of your application, you will have to submit a copy of the childcare provider's certificate of registration issued by Social Work Improvement Scotland (Care Inspectorate). Please have this ready to attach to the application form before you begin.

Upon successful completion of the form, our team will process your registration request and email you.


Resources

All queries concerning the Milk and Snack scheme in Falkirk should be directed to MilkandSnack@falkirk.gov.uk.

For additional information, see Maternal and child health: Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme | gov.scot or the guidance document below.

Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme - Guidance