Early learning and childcare for three and four year olds
Eligibility for funded hours starts the term after a child’s third birthday and all children receive the full number of hours they are entitled to whether they attend a full year or term time placement in either a local authority or partner provider setting. The number of funded hours a child receives depends on the start date of their eligibility.
Date of Birth |
Eligible From |
Offer letters sent out |
Funded entitlement for year 2023/2024 |
---|---|---|---|
1 March 2020 to |
August 2023 |
Week beginning |
1140 hours |
1 September 2020 to |
January 2024 |
Week beginning |
624 hours |
1 January 2021 to |
April 2024 |
Week beginning |
306 hours |
Nursery places for children younger than three are provided at full cost by private nurseries and childminders, unless you’re eligible for free early learning and childcare for two-year olds.
View early years 1140 hours video with audio description
Contact your nursery to discuss how you can use your funded hours, for example
- term time in line with school hours
- morning or afternoon sessions,
- ten-hour day sessions
If you need additional childcare.
- From August 2024, they will be able to purchase additional hours in local authority settings that are open full year. Details of how we can apply will be provided after Easter.
Applying for a place
Please submit one application only to your first choice setting and agree when you can drop off your documents at the nursery. To apply please take along the documents noted below.
- apply for nursery form (PDF)
- child's birth certificate - or, if informed by the nursery, their passport
- proof of your address, such as a Council Tax letter or utility bill.
When completing the form for a local authority nursery, you must give a second and third choice.
To apply at a partner-provider nursery or a childminder please contact them directly.
Children who do not live in Edinburgh
Parents who are not residents in Edinburgh can access their early learning and childcare funded hours in any of our local authority settings
Early Years Admissions Criteria – The City of Edinburgh Council
Nursery admissions - flowchart – The City of Edinburgh Council
Find nurseries
Search for a nursery in your area
Download a print-friendly list of council and partner provide centres - PDF
Please note, some downloads may not be accessible. For help, call 0131 200 2000.