When and How do I apply?
Early years registration for session 2027/28 will take place during the week of 25th January 2027 – 31st January 2027.
Places for early learning and childcare are not allocated by school catchment areas.
Applications can be made online, you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail once the application has been submitted. If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail with your case reference number please contact your 1st preference early years centre to ensure your application has been received.
If you are unable to submit an online application please contact your preferred Early Years Centre.
or
Educational Services 01292 612162 edservicesELC@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
What Options are Available?
Option 1 Full Year- Mornings Only 8 a.m. – 12.45 p.m.
Option 2 Full Year Flexible- 2 ½ days can be used as 2 full days (8a.m. – 5.30 p.m. ) and 1 morning (8 a.m. – 12.45)
Option 3 Term Time- Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
When will my child be eligible to start early learning and childcare?
4 Year Olds
If your child’s date of birth is on or between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024
He/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place from August 2027
3 Year Olds
If your child’s date of birth is on or between 1 March 2024 and 28 February 2025
He/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place as set out as follows:
| 1 March 2024 – 16 August 2024 | from start of term August 2027 |
| For children with a DOB from 17 August -31 August | funding cannot start until the day of their 3rd birthday |
| 1 September 2024 – 28 February 2025 | the first Monday after their third birthday (unless a public holiday or in-service day) |
Additional charges
Additional sessions/hours of early learning and childcare can be purchased for children aged 3-5 years and for children aged 2-3 years (South Ayrshire residents only), where space and staffing allows.
Places available for children aged 2-3 years are very limited and may only be available in our rural EYC’s.
Information on how to apply and current can be found at Purchase of additional early learning and childcare.
Please note that children who will be attending Option 3 (Term-Time) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. will be guaranteed approval of applications made for additional hours 8.30 – 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 – 4.00 p.m. Applications will still be required from parents/carers and confirmation will be received prior to the start of the new school session. Applications for other time slots at full year centres will be subject to space and staffing.
