Applying for your child's 3-5 year old place

You can apply for a funded place at any council-run primary school nursery class or nursery centre, as well as with any funded provider nursery or childminder who partners with the council to offer funded placements. To apply, you must contact your preferred nursery or childminder directly. They will give you an application form and explain what documents you need to provide.

Please make sure you contact them no later than 28 February. Most places are allocated in March and April, and we will send you a decision letter in May.

How to apply

To apply for a 3–5 year old place, get in touch with the nursery, nursery centre, funded provider or childminder you would like your child to attend. You will be asked to choose a first, second and third choice.

We must offer every eligible child a funded place. If your first choice is full, we will look at your other choices.

What you need to provide

The nursery you apply to will ask you for:

• your child’s full birth certificate
• two official documents showing your permanent address, such as a Council Tax statement, utility bill, housing rent card or child benefit letter

You cannot complete your application without these documents. If you are missing something, please speak to the nursery for advice.

You must complete a separate form for each child, including twins and siblings.

Late applications

If you apply after 28 February, your application will be classed as late. We will consider it at the next available allocation meeting. You may not receive your preferred nursery if it is full. Staff at the nursery will explain the timescales for late applications and when you can expect a decision.

During allocation, we follow our Early Learning and Childcare Admissions Policy.

Choosing a nursery or childminder

There are many funded options across South Lanarkshire, including:

• nursery classes in primary schools
• council-run nursery centres and Early Learning and Childcare centres
• funded provider nurseries and childminders (private, voluntary or independent)

You can browse all settings in our A–Z list or search by area.

Primary school nursery classes

These nurseries offer term-time places, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
You can request wraparound hours from 8.30am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm. These extra hours are chargeable - more information can be found on our Early Learning and Childcare charges and exemptions page.

You can apply to any nursery class - there are no catchment areas.
Please remember that nursery enrolment does not give priority for a place at the primary school. You still need to enrol your child separately for Primary 1.

Nursery centres and Early Learning and Childcare centres

These centres are generally open from 8am to 6pm and may offer places throughout the year. Common attendance patterns include:

• Long mornings: 8am to 12.35pm
• Long afternoons: 1pm to 5.35pm
• Start of week: Monday and Tuesday (full days) and Wednesday morning
• End of week: Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday (full days)

You can request additional hours beyond your 1140 entitlement, but these are chargeable - and more information can be found on our Early Learning and Childcare charges and exemptions page. A small number of term-time places (Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm) are available but not guaranteed.

Funded providers and childminders

These are private, voluntary and independent nurseries or childminders who meet the same National Standards as council settings. They offer a range of hours across 38 to 51 weeks of the year.

Parents must contact funded providers directly for availability and details of the models they offer.

Gaelic nursery

A Gaelic nursery is available at Mount Cameron Primary School.
It follows the same attendance pattern as other primary school nursery classes. Children learn through total Gaelic immersion in nursery and the first three years of primary school. Gaelic and English are taught from Primary 4 onwards.

Blended placements

You can split your child’s 1140 hours between two nurseries or childminders.
To do this, complete a blended model request form from your nursery or email earlyyears@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.