Guide to early learning and childcare
Our Guide to Early Learning and Childcare sets out the Council’s Policy for the allocation of early learning and childcare places.
This is currently being updated for the academic year 2023/24 and will be available week beginning 27 February 2023.
When to register
Registration for academic year 2023/24 for all early childhood centres, funded ELC providers and approved childminders on the Council Contract Framework in East Ayrshire will take place online from Monday 27 February until Sunday 12 March 2023.
How to apply
Please use the link below to apply for an early learning and childcare place. You will require to register for a customer account to complete the online registration form:
To complete the online registration you will require to upload:
- a copy of your child’s full birth certificate
- two proofs of your residency, for example, Council Tax Notice and utility bill
Should you require a copy of your child’s birth certificate for registration, this can be obtained at Certificates.scot.
You should also identify your second choice of centre and preferred pattern of attendance on the application form as there may be occasions when you cannot access a place in your first choice of centre. Applications which do not indicate a second choice may not be considered.
If you wish to apply for a split session place you will need to make an application for each centre.
To enable appropriate planning to meet all children’s needs, parents and carers should note any issues which affect their child, for example specific dietary, medical or toileting needs on the application form.
Places
All places are allocated in line with the priorities outlined in A Guide to Early Learning and Childcare. For example, first priority is given to children who meet the criteria set out in Priority 1, then Priority 2 and so on.
Every effort will be made to meet your first choice of centre and preferred pattern of attendance, however this will be dependent on the number of places available and the priority given to applications.
Change of preference of place allocated
This online form is for parents or carers whose child has been allocated a place in an Early Childhood Centre (ECC), Funded Provider (FP) centre or with a childminder, and are now seeking a place in a different setting.
