Early learning, nurseries and childcare

A child joins a nursery school or class a month after their 3rd birthday, as long as they were added to the waiting list aged 2.

It is not practical to admit children to a local authority Early Learning and Childcare setting in December or June.

• Children born in November start in January.
• Children born in May start in August.

How to apply

All early learning and childcare providers deal with their own applications for 3 and 4 year olds. Contact the nursery, partnership centre or provider to apply.

• Primary schools that offer nursery classes
• Directory of early learning and childcare for 3-4 year olds
• Playgroups for 2-5 year olds

Childminders

• Search for childminders (Scottish Family Information Service)
• Find a care service (Care Inspectorate)

More information

• Early learning and childcare leaflet (PDF)
• Find out about plans to extend early learning hours by 2020 (PDF)