Early learning, childcare enrolment
Funded early learning and childcare (ELC) is available to:
- all 3 and 4 year olds
- eligible 2 year olds
Entitlement is 1140 hours per year.
There are no 'catchment areas' for early years establishments. You will be asked to choose 3 suitable establishments. These may be close to your home, or place of work.
Please note: It is not always possible to place children in the early years establishment of choice. Read our ELC priority bands.
Details of early years establishments:
- North Ayrshire Council early years establishments
- early years funded providers
- lists of early years funded childminders - mainland and funded childminders - Arran
Applications are for placements that involve North Ayrshire Council establishments, including blended placements. You may choose a private, or voluntary funded, provider establishment or childminder. Contact them directly for availability of places.
Contact us for help with applications.
Become a funded provider
North Ayrshire-based providers of early learning and childcare services (including private, voluntary, third sector settings and childminders) can apply to become a funded provider.
Providers must meet the criteria set out in the Scottish Government National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare Providers and be willing to enter into a contract with North Ayrshire Council.
Providers wishing to apply will be required to register on Public Contracts Scotland to complete an application process.
If successful, applicants will be included on North Ayrshire Council's Early Learning and Childcare Flexible Framework Agreement until its expiry on the 31 July 2030.
Funded providers contracted to the council will ensure high quality early learning and childcare provision. If, for any reason, including not meeting set standards or if a funded provider cannot provide placements, they must fully cooperate with the council. This will be to ensure children’s requirements continue to be met, and parents and carers are fully informed in relation to securing alternative arrangements for delivery of funded entitlement.
The council will meet regularly throughout the contracted period with funded providers and will provide support, advice and training opportunities.
For any queries about the application process, email procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.