Have you applied for an early learning and childcare place for your child?
A free early learning and childcare place for up to 1140 hours is available for every three and four-year-old child who live in Renfrewshire and some two-year-old children are eligible.
Two-year-old children are eligible if their parents are in receipt of eligible benefits, looked after or have been the subject of a kinship or guardianship order in a kinship placement at any time since their 2nd birthday, and children of care experienced parents.
https://www.mygov.scot/childcare-costs-help/funded-early-learning-and-childcare
Places are provided in either Renfrewshire Council nurseries or in private or voluntary sector nurseries and Childminders which have been approved to provide early learning and childcare on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.
What does this mean?
1140 hours of early learning and childcare can be used flexibly; you should discuss your requirements with the setting you wish to attend. The setting you apply to can advise you how best they can meet your needs. Trained and experienced staff organise a stimulating programme of educational experiences based on the Curriculum for Excellence/Pre-Birth to Three and Realising the Ambition.
When does your child become eligible for an early learning and childcare place?
Places for children born on or before 28 February 2020 have already been allocated and these places will continue until the children go to school.
Younger children become eligible for a place as detailed below:
| Children born on or between: | Will be eligible for a free early learning and childcare place from: |
| 1st March 2020 – 31st August 2020 | August 2023 |
| 1st September 2020 – 28th February 2021 | the month after their third birthday |
| Dates below relate to eligible 2-year-olds only | |
| 1st March 2021 to 31st August 2021 | August 2023 |
| 1st September 2021 to 31st December 2021 | January 2024 |
| 1st January 2022 and 28th February 2022 | April 2024 |
Making an application
You can apply for a free early learning and childcare place once your child is two years old. If you haven’t already done so, you should now apply if your child will turn three on or before 29th February 2024.
If your child is due to start nursery in the session 2023/2024 and we have received your application by 31st January 2023 you will be informed of your child’s place by the end of April 2023. Applications received after this date will be allocated but may be confirmed at a later date.
Placements for eligible 2 years olds are allocated throughout the year.
You can apply online for an early learning and childcare place or download an application form at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/nurseries
You will need to show the setting proof of your address and your child’s date of birth when you apply. Confirmation of benefits will be required for applications for eligible 2-year-olds.
You can get further information on early learning and childcare, including the availability of nursery provision in your area, at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/nurseries
