Applying for a 2-3 year old early learning and childcare place
There is no government entitlement to free Early Learning and Childcare for children under three years. Families will be required to pay for all hours of nursery provision requested, however, some children may be exempt from charges. Information is available on our Early Learning and Childcare Exemptions page or this can be discussed with the nursery management.
Council-run establishments that offer 2-3 year old places are listed below:
East Kilbride area
- Ballerup Nursery Centre
- Halfmerke Community Nursery
- Kilbryde ELC
- Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School Nursery
- Rooftop ELC
- South Park Primary School Nursery
- St Hilary’s Primary School Nursery
- St Patrick’s Primary School Nursery
Hamilton area
- Calderside Nursery Centre
- Early Learning Unit
- First Step Community Nursery
- Hollandbush Nursery Centre
- Larkhall Children’s Centre
- Skylark ELC
- St Elizabeth’s Primary School Nursery
- St Paul’s Primary School Nursery
- Wooddean ELC
- Woodlands Nursery Centre
Clydesdale area
- Carluke Primary School Nursery
- Douglas Primary School Nursery
- Forth Primary School Nursery
- Kirkstyle ELC
- Rigside & Rural Communities Nursery
- St Mary’s Primary School Nursery Centre, Lanark
- Tinto Primary School Nursery
- Woodhill ELC
- Woodpark Primary School Nursery
Cambuslang/Rutherglen area
- Cathkin Primary School Nursery
- Cathkin Community Nursery
- Glenburgh Nursery Centre
- Lightburn ELC
- Millburn ELC
- Newton Farm Primary School Nursery
- Springlaw ELC
- Westburn Nursery School
Funded Providers and Childminders can only offer funded 2-3 year old spaces where families meet eligible 2 year old criteria (confirmed via completion of the Early Learning and Childcare Exemptions online form) and the setting offers under 3 year old spaces. If you do not meet the eligible 2 year old criteria, the place would be chargeable at the Funded Provider/Childminder's own rate of charge.
If your child will be eligible for a nursery placement in the new academic session starting in August please contact your preferred setting to complete an application form with them no later than 28 February. Most places will be allocated in March and April. Letters notifying parents/carers of nursery placement decisions will be issued throughout May.
When making your application for an eligible 2-3 year old funded placement, you must
- complete an application with your chosen establishment and
- complete the eligibility assessment form on the council website.
Please note that your application will not be considered until both parts 1 and 2 of the process have been completed.
The application form requires you to provide a copy of each child's full birth certificate and two pieces of recent official documentation both containing your permanent home address. For example, a utility bill, council tax statement, housing rent card, child benefit documentation. You cannot complete the application process without these documents. If they are not available speak to the nursery for guidance. A separate application is required for each child (e.g. twins require a completed form each).
Applications received after 28 February will be considered as late applications and processed in due course. Late applications may not get their chosen establishment as there may be no spaces remaining, however, we will consider the information provided in your application and allocate where spaces are available. Staff at the nursery will advise you on the timescales for when your request will be considered and when to expect and outcome.
Please note : eligibility applies for 1 academic year and you must re-apply at the start of each new August term
During allocation, we will follow the council's Early Learning and Childcare Admissions Policy.