Children over 3 years of age are currently funded 600 hours of early learning and childcare per year. This can be taken at any ELC provider.
Children are eligible for a place according to their date of birth, please see information below.
A child in his/her ante-pre-school year will be eligible for entry to early learning and childcare after the child's third birthday as follows:
- For children who reach 3 years of age between 1st March and 31st July the start date will be at the beginning of the Autumn Term (August)
- For children reaching 3 years between 1st August and 29th February of the following year the start date will be month after the child’s 3rd birthday
Places are allocated by the ELC Admissions Team in accordance with the Early Learning and Childcare Admission Policy:
- Downloads
- Early Learning and Childcare Admission Policy
PDF file, 324 KB
How to apply
Parents/Carers can obtain an application form from any Primary School or Early Learning and Childcare Centre or it can be downloaded below:
- Downloads
- Apply for a nursery place
PDF file, 567.8 KB
You can also apply in person with the Admissions Team at Sealock House.
All applications must be accompanied by the child's birth certificate (copy if possible) and proof of residence (Council Tax Notice, Utility Bill, Driving Licence, Tenancy Agreement). Other forms of residence must be agreed by the Admissions Team.
ELC Classes and ELC Centres (3-5 only)
All applications for ELC classes and ELC Centres should be sent to:
Or handed in to any ELC Class or ELC Centre.
ELC Centres (0-3 years)
Applications for ELC Centres should be sent directly to the ELC Centre.
Change nursery
If you wish to change nursery during the session then please complete a Nursery Transfer form giving 6 weeks notice:
- Downloads
- Nursery transfer form
PDF file, 622 KB
Do you know?
Best Start Grants are available to parents and carers on low income during the early years of a child's life.