Aberdeenshire - Early Learning & Childcare Funded Place Applications 2026/2027

ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL

EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE

FUNDED PLACE APPLICATIONS 2026/2027

Children born between 19th August 2021 and 29th February 2024 are entitled to free early learning and childcare in the 2026/27 school term .

If your child turns 3:

•  by 31st August 2026 they are eligible to access the August term 2026*

•  by 31st December 2026, they are eligible from 5th January 2027

•  by 28th February 2027, they are eligible from 12th April 2027

* Your child must have had their 3rd birthday the day before the new term starts.

Please note the start of term dates change each year.

Link to term dates: https://abshirepublications.blob.core.windows.net/acblobstorage/1f6d4157412e-42c6-bf6e-90d099064c90/school-holidayplanner-25-30.pdf

Funded places for session 2026/2027 are available at both local authority nurseries and with playgroups, private day nurseries and childminders, which has been commissioned by the local authority.

Information and the online application form for local authority nurseries, commissioned playgroups, private day nurseries and childminders will be available from

8th December 2025 – 19th December 2025. These can be obtained online from https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/childcare-and-earlylearning/3-and-4-year-olds/

All Early Learning and Childcare settings that provide Early Learning and Childcare funded places are regulated by Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate, and are quality assured by Aberdeenshire Council. Parents/ carers should note there are separate approaches for applying for funded places in school nursery classes and for applying for funded places in commissioned playgroups or private day nurseries. These are as follows:

For entry to a local authority school.

For children who become eligible to commence their Early Learning and Childcare funded place in the 2026/2027 session, applications should be submitted online between 8th December – 19th December

2025. A list of all provision is listed in the ‘Applying Early Learning and Childcare for Your Child – Application Booklet’. Booklets are available from the website at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/childcareand-early-learning/3-and-4-year- olds/https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/childcareand-early-learning/3-and-4-year- olds/

Evidence of the child’s date of birth (original birth certificate) and evidence of home address (for example a recent utility bill or recent bank statement) will be required, once you have received confirmation that your child has been offered a place.

For entry to a commissioned playgroup, private day nursery or childminder (funded providers) Parents/carers should first apply directly to the commissioned playgroup, private day nursery or childminder of their choice from the 8th December 2025.

Once a place has been secured, Parents/carers will then be asked by their funded provider, to apply online for a funded place for the confirmed number of hours. This funding will be paid direct to your chosen funded provider by Aberdeenshire Council. If the Parent/ carer does not apply for a funded place, your chosen provider may ask Parent/carers to pay full price.