Register for Early Learning and Childcare

South Ayrshire Council is committed to providing a high quality early years experience for every child. Our Early Years Centres and Funded Providers offer a nurturing, caring and child friendly environment where practitioners follow national guidelines for the care and learning of children aged 0-5 years encouraging learning through play.

There are 37 early years centres in South Ayrshire; 4 standalone and 33 based in primary schools. There are currently 15 Funded Providers delivering early learning and childcare. Various patterns of attendance are being offered across the authority offering around 30 hours a week during term-time, or around 22.5 hrs hours a week year-round.  The funded entitlement can be accessed in Local Authority Early Years Centres, Funded Providers or a blend of both.

Apply (August 2022 - July 2023)

To complete the application you may be asked for the following:

• A scan or photo of:
• Your child's birth certificate
• Proof of residence (current council tax notice or recent utility bill)

Register for Early Learning and Childcare

A separate application is required per child.

For those unable to complete the Early Learning and Childcare registration form online please contact your preferred Early Years Centre who will assist you with the registration process.

Please view this short video highlighting some key information for registration.

When will my child be eligible to start early learning and childcare?

4 Year Olds

If your child's date of birth is on or between 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2019

He/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place from August 2022

3 Year Olds

If your child's date of birth is on or between 1 March 19 and 29 February 2020

Children will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place as follows:

When and How do I apply?

Early years registration is week of the 28^th February 2022. Places for early learning and childcare are not allocated by school catchment areas. Applications can be made on line. If you are unable to submit an on line application please contact your preferred Early Years Centre or Educational Services 01292 612162  http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/

Am I guaranteed the centre of my choice?

Every effort will be made to meet your request at your first choice of centre. This will be dependent on the number of places available and the priority given to applications. All places are allocated in line with the admissions priorities.

Applications for children who reside out with South Ayrshire Council

Children who live out with the boundary of South Ayrshire Council can make an application to a South Ayrshire Council Early Years Centre or Funded Provider.

Apply (August 2021- July 2022)

To complete the application you may be asked for the following:

• A scan or photo of:
• Your child's birth certificate
• Proof of residence (current council tax notice or recent utility bill)

Register for Early Learning and Childcare

A separate application is required per child.

For those unable to complete the Early Learning and Childcare registration form online please contact your preferred Early Years Centre who will assist you with the registration process.

Additional charges

We are currently taking a cautious approach to the sale of any additional hours/sessions as part of our mitigation to manage the impact Covid-19 in our Early Years Centres. We will continue to review applications submitted.

Additional sessions/hours of early learning and childcare can be purchased for children aged 3-5 years and for children aged 2-3 years (South Ayrshire residents only), where space and staffing allows.

Information on how to apply and current can be found at Purchase of additional early learning and childcare.

Many of our Funded Providers offer wrap-around / extra hours and charge parents directly for this. Contact the individual funded provider directly for details of the costs.

Can I get help with childcare costs?

Assistance towards the costs of childcare may be available through Tax Free Childcare

Best Start

If you're in receipt of certain benefits and tax credits you may be eligible for a Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment. To apply call 0800 182 2222 or visit mygov.scot/early-learning-payment.