Funded early learning and childcare

All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year. 

You can access funded early learning and childcare at a provider of your choice depending on availability.

Search the early learning and childcare directory

The start dates depend on your child's date of birth.

How to register

In January you will receive a letter and registration form for your 3-year-old.

Complete the form and take it to the provider of your choice. Remember to also take your:

• child's UK birth certificate – if your child was not born in the UK, take a passport or ID card instead
• proof of your address

If your child is already accessing early learning and childcare, your provider will give you a form. 

How places are allocated

Places at council nurseries are allocated based on priority groupings. 

Priority groups

Group 1 is the highest priority and group 7 is the lowest priority. The 7 priority groups are:

1. Children with additional support needs including Looked After /Care Experienced children.  
2. Children already attending funded ELC at the same ELC setting, including children who attended as an eligible 2-year-old and children with the right to defer entry to Primary 1.    
3. Children residing in families within the nursey zone with siblings already in the school or nursery.  
4. Children residing in families within the nursey zone where both parents/carers or lone parents require the place for work/training purposes.   
5. Children within the nursery zone.  
6. Children out with the nursery’s zone who have siblings in the school/nursery.  
7. Children out with the nursery’s zone. 

Check your nursery zone area – Near Me

What happens next

Once you have applied, the provider will write to tell you their decision. 

If your local authority nursery is oversubscribed, an officer will contact you directly to discuss options. 

If your details change after you register, you must contact the provider(s) so that any changes can be made.

Starting school

Most children start school between 4 years 6 months and 5 years old. It is possible to start children later in certain circumstances.

These children may be entitled to an extra year of funded early learning and childcare. Children who turn 5 between the start of the school year in August to the last day in February are automatically entitled to defer entry and receive an extra year of funded early learning and childcare.

Find out more about deferred entry to Primary 1.