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.
If their third birthday is in | They can start in |
---|---|
March, April, May, June, July or August 2023 | August 2023 |
September 2023 | October 2023 |
October 2023 | November 2023 |
November 2023 | December 2023 |
December 2023 | January 2024 |
January 2024 | February 2024 |
February 2024 | March 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.
If their birthday is between | They can start in |
---|---|
1 March and 31 August 2023 | August 2023 |
1 September and 31 December 2023 | January 2024 |
1 January and last day February 2024 | March 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
.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.