Renfrewshire Council

Who can get free nursery places or childcare

Nursery or childcare for three and four-year olds, two year olds and children aged up to two years old who get priority places.

Nursery and childcare places for three and four-year olds

When your child starts depends on when their third birthday is during the year.

When your child can start nursery school
If their third birthday is inThey can start in 
March, April, May, June, July or August 2023August 2023
September 2023October 2023
October 2023November 2023
November 2023December 2023
December 2023January 2024
January 2024February 2024
February 2024March 2024

Apply for a free nursery or childcare place

How many free nursery or childcare hours you can get


Nursery and childcare places for two-year olds

Two-year old children can get free nursery places or childcare if:

  • they are or have been looked after by a council, subject to a supervision  order, in kinship or foster care or with an appointed guardian
  • they are the child of a care experienced parent
  • their household gets a qualifying benefit as specified within the Scottish Government website.

You can find out who can get funded nursery or childcare places for two year olds on the Scottish Government website. 

How many free nursery or childcare hours you can get

If your child is eligible for a free nursery place or childcare, they can start nursery or childcare at the beginning of one of the school terms.

Which term your child will start depends on when their birthday is during the year.

When your child can start nursery school
If their birthday is betweenThey can start in
1 March and 31 August 2023August 2023
1 September and 31 December 2023 January 2024
1 January and last day February 2024March or April 2024

Apply for a free nursery or childcare place


Nursery and childcare places for children aged 0 to 2 years

There are some nursery places or childcare available for children aged 0 to 2 years, however, they are not entitled to free nursery and childcare hours.

These placements are limited and prioritised for children who meet certain criteria, as outlined in our early learning and childcare admissions policy [125KB] .

Some private and voluntary nurseries and childminders may provide place for children aged two or under. Contact the individual nurseries or childminders to see what they offer.