Funded early learning and childcare for 3-5 year olds

Options

To make sure there are choices across Perth and Kinross, we have created 11 early learning and childcare communities. Each of these communities will have access to a mix of attendance options at funded providers including term time, 45 week and 50 week options as appropriate; with some settings offering hours between 8 am - 6 pm. The communities also allow for prioritisation of places in local authority nursery classes. Details of these options are available in the Nursery locations and attendance patterns page.

Details of these options are available in the 2025/2026 Nursery Policy and Guidelines (PDF, 1 MB). As well as attendance options available, parents and carers are able to use one or more settings to access the funded hours.

Eligibility criteria

Terms 2025-2026

How to apply for a nursery place (2025-2026)  - for new places and continuing ELC places

Please visit the Register for a local authority nursery place for school year  page for details on how to apply.  

If your child is currently attending an ELC setting and you wish to continue in ELC for session 2025-2026 please also complete the 2025-2026 application Register for a local authority nursery place for school year .  

Evidence to provide at application

• Birth certificate
• Proof of your residency at the time of application - this must be a copy of Council Tax documentation

Information regarding the allocation of all nursery places within Perth and Kinross is contained within our 2025/2026 Nursery Policy and Guidelines (PDF, 1 MB).

Please note: A place in a local authority nursery class does not give priority in gaining a place in the same school when enrolling for a primary or secondary school place, more information can be found on the Primary and secondary school enrolmentpage.

Deferred entry

All children who will turn five years old before the first day of term in August must enter into primary one. Children who will have their fifth birthday between the first day of term in August and 28 February, can automatically defer entry to primary school and access an additional year of funded ELC. Parents must complete the form on Register for a local authority nursery place for school year  to ensure a place in ELC provision if they choose for their child not to go to school.

Further information on accessing an additional year of ELC can be found at Additional year of ELC Parent Guidance 25-26 (PDF, 202 KB).

Further information for parents

For further information you should contact your local school or funded provider.