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 nurturing, caring and child friendly environments where practitioners follow national guidelines for the care and learning of children aged 0-5 years encouraging learning through play.

There are 35 Early Years Centres in South Ayrshire; currently 7 standalone and 28 based in primary schools.  There are currently 13 Funded Providers delivering early learning and childcare in partnership with South Ayrshire Council. Flexible patterns of attendance are available 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.

When and How do I apply?

Early years registration will take place during the week of 16^th February 2026 - 22^nd February 2026. Places for early learning and childcare are not allocated by school catchment areas. Applications can be made online, you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail once the application has been submitted.  If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail with your case reference number please contact your 1^st preference early years centre to ensure your application has been received.

If you are unable to submit an online application please contact your preferred Early Years Centre.

or

Educational Services 01292 612162  [email protected]

Please note places are allocated according to our admissions priorities, below, and not on a first come first served basis. 

What Options are Available?

In our EYCs that operate full year parents/carers can choose from the following-

Option 1        Full Year-   Mornings Only 8 a.m. - 12.45 p.m.

Option 2        Full Year Flexible- 2 ½ days can be used as 2 full days (8 a.m. - 5.30  p.m. ) and 1 morning  (8 a.m. - 12.45)

Option 3        Term Time- Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

In our EYCs that are term time only parents/carers can access Option 3 Term Time- Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. only.

Please see here for details of EYCs and attendance options available. Local Authority Early Years Centres with Pattern of Attendance 2026-27 (PDF, 290 KB)

When will I find out the outcome of my application?

Parents/Carers should be notified of their place via e-mail by the early years centre they have been allocated to during the afternoon of 1^st May 2026.  Should you not have an e-mail by end of day on 5^th May 2026 please contact your 1^st preference early years centre for an update on the status of your application.

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 2022 and 28 February 2023
He/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place from August 2026

3 Year Olds

If your child's date of birth is on or between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024
He/she will be eligible for a funded early learning and childcare place as set out as follows:

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

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. 

In cases where parents/carers own resident local authority apply the statutory entitlement your child will become eligible the term after their 3^rd birthday. This is the criteria that will be also be applied when South Ayrshire children access a cross boundary place in an authority where the statutory entitlement applies.

Additional charges

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.

Places available for children aged 2-3 years are very limited and may only be available in our rural EYC's.

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

Please note that children who will be attending Option 3 (Term-Time) 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. will be guaranteed approval of applications made for additional hours 8.30 - 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 - 4.00 p.m.  Applications will still be required from parents/carers and confirmation will be received prior to the start of the new school session.  Applications for other time slots at full year centres will be subject to space and staffing. 

Parents/Carers will require to submit an additional hours application once this is available for session 26/27 (June 2026).

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.

Apply (August 2026 - July 2027)

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

• An image of:
• Your child's birth certificate
• Proof of residence   

Early Years Application (3 to 5 years) 2026 - 2027 form  

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.

Apply (August 2025 - July 2026)

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

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

Early Years Application (3 to 5 years) August 2025 - July 2026

A separate application is required per child.