Find your local Early Learning and Childcare Provider
Registering your child for Early Learning and Childcare
To apply for a funded Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) space you will need a copy of your child's birth certificate and a proof of address letter in your name.
Children born between 1st March 2021 and 28th February 2022 are eligible for funded ELC in the academic year starting August 2024.
- To make a late application please complete the form found on our useful documents page. Please take this directly to your first choice ELC setting, with your supporting documents.
- You do not need to make an application for any child already attending a funded 2 year old ELC placement, who will remain at the same ELC setting.
- Any applications received from the Monday after the registration week for your child's date of birth, are a late application. This means the application will get lower priority if the ELC setting is oversubscribed. Applications cannot be accepted without clear copies of the required documents.
Children born between 1st March 2022 and 28th February 2023 are eligible for funded ELC in the academic year starting August 2025.
- You should apply online during ELC registration week from 20th January 2025 to 26th January 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions & Advice
Read our Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any queries, and our useful documents page hasn't helped, please contact Early Years: Email earlyyears@argyll-bute.gov.uk or Tel 01369 708503.
Changing an existing placement
- If you wish to change/cancel your child's funded ELC placement please provide 4 weeks written notice to all ELC settings involved (this can be via email).
- 4 weeks notice can only be accepted if both ELC settings involved are open and not on holiday.
- 4 weeks notice can not be given in February & March due to the registration process of new applications (changes can still take place where notice was given by 31st January).
- A change includes: increasing/decreasing hours, changing ELC setting, starting/stopping a blended placement, leaving an ELC setting.
- If you are unable to give 4 weeks notice due to unforeseen circumstances you must seek approval from Early Years, explaining the extenuating circumstances surrounding your request.
- New applications do not need to be made for a change of ELC setting, even where this is from the following August - please do not use the online registration form.
Cross boundary applications
- A parent who lives in the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ area who wishes to access ELC in another authority should contact that local authority to apply.
- A parent who lives in another local authority area and wishes to access ELC in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ & Bute Council, should apply during registration week. Afterwards late applications should be made directly to your chosen ELC setting.
- All cross boundary requests go through a funding approval process involving the local authority you are resident in, so are subject to longer timescales for approval.
Additional year of ELC
If your child is still age 4 on the day they would usually start primary 1 (P1), you’ve got the right for them to start primary school the following year instead, when they’re 5.
Children who have their fifth birthday between March and the first day of the school year, are due to start school in August.
Who is eligible?
All children with birth dates between the second day of term in August and the end of February, are automatically entitled to receive an additional year of funded ELC and enter P1 the August after instead.
Applications for an additional year of funded ELC for children with birth dates between 1st March and the first day of term in August, will only be granted in cases warranting this at the discretion of Early Years.
When do I need to decide/apply?
You need to indicate that you wish to apply for this additional year of ELC on the online P1 application form, during P1 registration week in January 2024. If P1 registration week is taking place and you are still unsure of what's best for your child, we would advise you to request an additional year of ELC. This is because you can change your mind and withdraw the request, at any point up until the start of the school year.
Further Information
You can speak directly to your child’s keyworker to help make a decision on what is best for your child. You can also visit
Transport
Early Years is not legally obliged to provide transport, however we recognise the unique rural nature of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, which can at times be challenging. If you feel you need further advice or wish to discuss ELC transport matters, please contact the Early Years helpline on 01369 708503 or e-mail earlyyears@argyll-bute.gov.uk.