Renfrewshire - Admissions To Nursery Session 2025/2026

Renfrewshire Council 

Admissions To Nursery —Session 2025/2026 

Have you applied for an early learning and childcare place for your child? 

All three and four year olds, and eligible two-year-olds are entitled to up to 1140 hours of early learning and childcare, depending on when they start during the year. 

Two-year-old children are eligible if: 

• they are or have been looked after by a council, are subject to a supervision order, are in kinship or foster care, or are 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 https://www.mygov.scot/childcare-costs-help/funded-early-learning-and-childcare Places are provided in either Renfrewshire Council nurseries or in private or voluntary sector nurseries and Childminders which have been approved to provide early learning and childcare on behalf of Renfrewshire Council. 

What does this mean? 
The hours your child is entitled to can be used flexibly; you should discuss your requirements with the setting you wish to attend. 

The setting you apply to can advise you how best they can meet your needs. 

Trained and experienced staff organise a stimulating programme of educational experiences based on the Curriculum for Excellence/Pre-Birth to Three. 

When does your child become eligible for an early learning and childcare place? 

Places for children born on or before 28 February 2022 have already been allocated and these places will continue until the children go to school. 

Children born on or between 1st March 2022 — 28th February 2023 will be eligible for a free early learning and childcare place from August 2025 onwards. 

Eligible 2-year-olds children born on or between 1st March 2023 — 28th February 2024 will be eligible for a free early learning and childcare place from August 2025 onwards. 

Making an application 
You can apply for a free early learning and childcare place once your child is two years old. If you haven't already done so, you should apply now if your child will turn three on or before 28th February 2026. 

If your child is due to start nursery in the session 2025/2026 and we have received your application by 31st January 2025 you will be informed of your child's place at the beginning of May 2025. 

Applications received after this date will be allocated but may be confirmed at a later date. 

You can apply online for an early learning and childcare place at https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/nurseries You will need to show the setting proof of your address and your child's date of birth when you apply. 

Confirmation of benefits will be required for applications for eligible 2-year-olds.

You can get further information on early learning and childcare, including the availability of nursery provision in your area, at https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/nurseries  

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk