📝 Admissions – How to Apply for a Place at Paxton Nursery (via Fife Council)
At Paxton Nursery we work with Fife Council’s Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) admissions system for funded nursery places.
Here’s what you need to know:
For eligible 2-year-olds
If your child meets the Scottish Government’s eligibility criteria (for example certain benefits or household income thresholds) you can apply for a funded place from their second birthday.
2 Year Old Application
For 3- & 4-year-olds
All children aged 3–4 are entitled to funded ELC hours in a Fife Council setting. Applications open each year and you are asked to provide up to five preferred nurseries (which can include Paxton).
3-4 Year Old Application
What we ask you to do:
- Complete the relevant application form and submit by the deadline.
- Provide supporting documents such as your child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of address, and any benefits evidence if required.
- Indicate Paxton Nursery as one of your preferred settings.
- If a place is offered, we will contact you at Paxton to finalise how we will welcome your child.
Important points:
- A place offered may not always be your first choice, so it’s helpful to list several settings you’d accept.
- The funded entitlement (e.g., up to 1,140 hours for 3- & 4-year-olds) is free; any additional charges must be optional and clearly explained.
- If your child is moving between age groups (e.g., Early Entry to our main 3–5 provision), we’ll help support that transition at Paxton.

