Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) free entitlement almost doubled in September 2020. Plans to develop a new, improved and flexible service for parents and carers across North Lanarkshire are now firmly established.
1,140 hours are available to all children aged three to five years old, as well as some two-year-olds. The focus is on flexibility for families, as well as an emphasis on quality and a strong connection with outdoor learning and learning through play.
Eligibility for entitlement
From session 2024-2025 starting on 1 August 2024, start dates for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) placements will change. These changes are in keeping with Scottish Government legislation and continue to allow for all eligible children to receive their statutory entitlement up to 1140 hours.
The Government funding start dates are where a child’s third birthday fall on or between:
- 1 March 2024 and 31 August 2024 they will be eligible for funding from August 2024 (autumn term) occurring in that year.
- 1 September and 31 December 2024 they will be eligible for funding from January 2025 (spring term) following their birthday.
- 1 January and last day of February 2025 they will be eligible for funding from April 2025 (summer term) following their birthday.
Birth Certificates or Passports or National Identify Cards and current council tax statements must be provided.
Applications for children who will be eligible for nursery provision in session 2024/25 are now being accepted. Applications should be completed and submitted to your first choice provider no later than Friday 16th February 2024.Please be aware that, at present, St. Michael’s Nursery Class runs as a mixed model. We have a variety of Term Time places (38 weeks) and AM or PM places (48 weeks).More information can be found at NLC Early Years sectionApplication forms and paperwork can be handed in to the school office or e-mailed to nlmcmillanr@northlan.org.uk
Applying for an early learning and childcare placement
Children will normally attend an ELC establishment closest to their home but you can apply to any establishment, in accordance with the admissions policy, should you wish to do so.
Applications should be returned to your first choice of ELC provider by Friday, 16th February 2024.
Our ELC providers include local-authority run nursery classes and family learning centres, independently run nurseries and childminders. We have a framework of funded providers which is updated annually. All funded providers meet the national standard so that you are able to claim your childcare entitlement.
You can search the directory for ELC providers by name or location using the link above.
Locally authority run nursery classes are further categorised by delivery model – some operate only during term time, some over 48 weeks while others offer both models. Use ‘category’ in the search box if you are interested in identifying council settings offering a particular model.
- Term time: 6 hours per day over 38 weeks of an academic year
- 48 week: 4 hours 45 minutes per day, 5 x morning sessions 8am to 12:45pm OR 5 x afternoon sessions 1:15pm to 6pm
Please be aware that, at present, St. Michael’s Nursery Class runs as a mixed model. We have a variety of Term Time places (38 weeks) and AM or PM places (48 weeks).
Application form and guidance notes can be viewed and downloaded here.
The application form is interactive and can be completed on a computer. You may experience difficulties if you attempt to download and complete the form on a mobile device.
