If you have a child due to attend nursery after the summer it is important that you register your application for a place in time for the 28 February deadline.

Councillor Gavin Keatt, the chair of the council’s Education Committee, said: “Nursery is an integral part of a young child’s development, helping them build the social and cognitive skills that will help them with their education as they go on through life.

“It also provides lots of fun, stimulation and exciting opportunities for your child. And with funded places available for all three and four year olds and some two year olds, I hope every family with eligible children will consider enrolling them in early years education.”

The council works hard to provide a flexible service for parents and carers. Children who are aged three between 1 March and 31 August 2023 are eligible for a funded place starting from 14 August 2023.

The Scottish Government provides funded early learning and childcare places for all three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds. These places are provided through the council’s nurseries and also through funded providers in the private and voluntary sectors and childminders. 

If your child’s birthday falls between 1 September 2023 and 29th February 2024, you can access a funded place from the Monday following their third birthday.

The deadline for applications for the year ahead is 28 February 2023.

There is a nursery A-Z and area lists for details of both council, and funded provider nurseries and childminders.

The Locate It mapping service can also be used to find information on local nurseries by using your postcode or address - the plus and minus signs on the top left of the screen can be used to see the council-run nurseries (marked with N) and funded providers (marked with PP).

Once you have decided which option you would like for your child, you should complete the online application form. 

Your first choice is not guaranteed so you should indicate a second and third choice on your application form. Only one application should be submitted per child.