Early Learning & Childcare (ELC)
The Scottish Government currently funds 600 hours of early learning and childcare a year for three, four and eligible two year olds. In Moray, this is delivered by a combination of school nurseries, independent (private and third sector) early learning and childcare providers, and childminders.
From August 2020 all three and four year olds and eligible two year olds in Moray will receive 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year, paid for by the Scottish Government.
Nursery registration for children born between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2018 concluded on 31 January 2020. If you've not registered before this date, please contact education@moray.gov.uk or 01343 563374.
2020-21 ELC Registration Form 2019-20 Registration Form (Phase 1 & 2) 2019-20 Registration Form (Phase 3)
2020-21 Registration Form (Two Year olds only) 2019-20 Registration Form (Two Year olds only)
| A child whose date of birth is between: |
Will be eligible for a funded place from: |
Type of place: |
| 20 August 2014 and 28 February 2015 |
20 August 2019 | Deferred Entry |
| 1 March 2015 and 28 February 2016 |
20 August 2019 | Pre-school |
| 1 March 2016 and 31 August 2016 |
20 August 2019 | Ante pre-school |
| 1 September 2016 and 31 December 2016 |
6 January 2020 | Ante pre-school |
| 1 January 2017 and 28 February 2017 |
13 April 2020 | Ante pre-school |
Session 2020/2021
| A child whose date of birth is between: |
Will be eligible for a funded place from: |
Type of place: |
| 18 August 2015 and 29 February 2016 |
18 August 2020 | Deferred Entry |
| 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017 |
18 August 2020 | Pre-school |
| 1 March 2017 and 31 August 2017 |
18 August 2020 | Ante pre-school |
| 1 September 2017 and 31 December 2017 |
5 January 2021 | Ante pre-school |
| 1 January 2018 and 28 February 2018 |
12 April 2021 | Ante pre-school |
Two year olds are eligible for 1140 hours of funded ELC from August 2020 if they meet one of the qualifying criteria.
Early learning and childcare is not statutory, and it is for parents to decide whether they want their child to participate. As early learning and childcare is not statutory, Moray Council does not provide transport.
List of Providers Providers by ASG Area Search for Providers (interactive map)
Your choice of nursery or childminder is entirely your decision - you may find our early years guide for parents helpful to give you hints and tips about things to consider.
You'll find details of childminders in Moray on the Moray Family Information Service/Parent Club website - childminders will be able to let you know if they are able to offer funded places.
You must register with your preferred provider but as there are a limited number of places in each setting you should list a second and third choice too.
You can find out what hours and sessions are offered at each nursery in Moray
Find out more about your preferred childcare provider from the Care Inspectorate Website
When allocating funded ELC places, priority is given as follows:
- Child with existing attendance in the nursery
- Child resident in secondary catchment area and sibling in the nursery
- Child resident in secondary catchment
- Child with Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP), and/or assessment by the Education Authority
- Child outwith secondary catchment area and sibling in the nursery
- Child outwith the secondary catchment area
Priority within any of the six categories above, where it is necessary to be determined, will be given to older children first and then to those resident closest to the setting (distance being calculated by the straight line method).
After you have registered you can expect to receive a letter confirming your place as follows:
| Eligible start date | Allocation letters sent out |
| August | March/April |
| January | November/December |
| April | February |
You will not receive a letter if your first choice is full. You will automatically be contacted by the nursery or childminder that you listed as your next choice.
If all of your choices are full, you will be contacted by the Moray Council Early Years team to discuss alternatives.
Some nurseries and childminders offer full day care services - you will be charged for any additional hours you use over and above your funded hours. Assistance towards the cost of ELC may be available through the Working Families Tax Credit. More information is available on https://www.parentclub.scot/.
Your Choices - Moray's Early Years Guide
Audit Scotland Parents' Guide to ELC
Eligibility for increased Early Learning & Childcare provision
Contact Us
Education and Social Care
Council Office
High Street
Elgin
IV30 1BX
01343 563374