South Ayrshire Council is committed to providing a high quality early years experience for every child. Our Early Years Centres and Funded Providers offer a nurturing, caring and child friendly environment where practitioners follow national guidelines for the care and learning of children aged 0-5 years encouraging learning through play.

When and How do I apply?

Early years registration is week of the 5^th February 2024. Places for early learning and childcare are not allocated by school catchment areas. Applications can be made on line.

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 2020 and 28 February 2021

He/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place from August 2024

3 Year Olds

If your child’s date of birth is on or between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022

He/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place as set out as follows:

1 March 2021 – 31 August 2021	from August 2024
1 September 2021 – 28 February 2022	The first Monday after their third birthday (unless a public holiday or in-service day)

For children with a DOB from 21 August -31 August funding can start from the day of their 3^rd birthday.

Apply (August 2024 – July 2025)

To complete the application you may be asked for the following:

• An image of:
• Your child’s birth certificate
• Proof of residence (current council tax notice or recent utility bill)

Early Years Registration (3 to 5 years) August 2024 – July 2025

A separate application is required per child.

Please view this short video highlighting some key information for registration.

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

Please note places are allocated according to our admissions priorities, below, and not on a first come first served basis.

Applications for children who reside out with South Ayrshire Council : Children who live out with the boundary of South Ayrshire Council can make an application to a South Ayrshire Council Early Years Centre or Funded Provider.  Please refer to your own resident local authority admissions priorities for further details.

In cases where parents/carers own resident local authority apply the statutory entitlement your child will become eligible the term after their 3^rd birthday. This is the criteria that will be also be applied when South Ayrshire children access a cross boundary place in an authority where the statutory entitlement applies.