South Ayrshire Council is committed to providing a high-quality early years\u2019 experience for every child. \u00a0Our Early Years Centres and Funded Providers offer nurturing, caring and child friendly environments where practitioners follow national guidelines for the care and learning of children aged 0-5 years encouraging learning through play.<\/p>\n
When and How do I apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n Early years registration will take place during\u00a0the\u00a0week of 16th\u00a0February 2026 \u2013 22nd\u00a0February 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail with your case reference number, please contact your 1st\u00a0preference early years centre to ensure your application has been received.<\/p>\n What Options are Available?<\/strong><\/p>\n In our EYCs that operate full year parents\/carers can choose from the following-<\/p>\n Option 1\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Full Year-\u00a0\u00a0 Mornings Only 8 a.m. – 12.45 p.m.<\/p>\n Option 2<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Full Year Flexible- 2\u00bd days can be used as 2 full days (8 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.) and 1 morning (8 a.m. – 12.45)<\/p>\n Option 3<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Term Time- Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.\u00a0 (with exception of Troon EYC)<\/p>\n In our EYCs that are term time only parents\/carers can access Option 3 Term Time- Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. only.<\/p>\n PLEASE NOTE<\/span> <\/strong><\/span>:<\/strong> SPACE PLACE EARLY YEARS CENTRE is a Term Time EYC, <\/strong><\/span>so Option 3 \u2013 9am-3pm is the option available to parents.<\/strong><\/p>\n Please see here for details of EYCs and attendance options available.<\/p>\n Local Authority Early Years Centres with Pattern of Attendance 2026-27(PDF,\u00a0146 KB)<\/a><\/p>\n When will my child be eligible to start early learning and childcare?<\/strong><\/p>\n 4 Year Olds<\/strong><\/p>\n If your child’s date of birth is on or between\u00a01 March 2022 and 28 February 2023<\/strong> 3 Year Olds<\/strong><\/p>\n If your child’s date of birth is on or between\u00a01 March 2023 and 29 February 2024<\/strong>
\nHe\/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place from\u00a0August 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHe\/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place as set out as follows:<\/p>\n