Pre-school Nursery Place

Every child is entitled to a free nursery place from the entry point following their third birthday. That means:

• Session 2025/26

  • Starting in January 2026: Your child must be three before 31 December 2025
  • Starting in April 2026: Your child must be three before the last day of February 2026

  Session 2026/27

  • Starting in August 2026: Your child must be three on/before 31 August 2026
  • Starting in January 2027: Your child must be three before 31 December 2026
  • Starting in April 2027: Your child must be three before the last day of February 2027

  You’ll be contacted by the end of March 2026 to advise you of where your child has been offered a place.
  What are my options?

  There are several different ways for families to access their entitlement. These include:

  • In a private Early Learning Childcare setting that’s in partnership with Fife Council
  • At a playgroup that’s in partnership with Fife Council
  • With a childminder who’s in partnership with Fife Council
  • Term time in a Fife Council Early Learning Childcare setting
  • Across the whole year in a Fife Council Early Learning Childcare setting

  What session types are available in a Fife Council setting?

  • 6hrs Mon – Fri (Term Time)
  • 4hrs 40 mins am Mon – Fri (49 weeks)
  • 4hrs 40 mins pm Mon – Fri (49 weeks)
  • 10hrs Mon and Tues, Wed am (46 weeks)
  • Wed pm, 10hrs Thurs and Fri (46 weeks)

  How do I apply for a Fife Council Early Learning and Childcare (Nursery) place?

  Please complete an online application, which can be accessed at the top of this page. This is an easy process that can be done from your smartphone, iPad or laptop. You’ll be asked to create a mygov.scot ‘myaccount’ if you don’t already have one. You’ll need this account right the way through your child’s education.

Application for a Pre-School nursery place with Fife Council is done online – Please follow the link below to find more information about available nurseries, available  attendance patterns and the application form.

Nursery Places for 3 and 4-year-olds | Fife Council

Under 3’s Nursery Place

Fife Council has a number of places offering early learning and childcare to children who are two years of age. These places are offered to eligible children in line with the Scottish Government criteria. Follow the link below to get more information and how to apply.

Nursery Places for 2-year-olds | Fife Council