All children who are three and four years old are entitled to a free nursery place in East Renfrewshire and all other local authorities.

The place is either five mornings or five afternoons.

Morning and afternoon sessions are allocated by ballot and this allocation is made for two years. Morning and afternoon sessions are allocated in equal numbers to achieve a balance of pre-school and ante-pre school children.

You are encouraged to register your child for a place in a local authority establishment when they reach their second birthday.

You should apply now if your child will turn three or four years old between 1 March 2014 and 28 February 2015.

When your application is received, your child’s details will be held on file until places are allocated. For children who will be due to start nursery in session 2014/15, you will be informed about your child’s place by April 2014 provided the application is received no later than 28 February 2014. Please note, applications received after this date will be treated as being late and therefore your place will be allocated at a later date.

Full information on how to apply and application forms are available by calling 0141 577 3288 or you can e-mail pre.five@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

If you plan to send your son or daughter to a partner nursery, you will need to apply for a place in your chosen nursery by contacting them directly no later than 31 August 2014.