Early Learning & Childcare (ELC)

The next nursery registration period takes place 20-31 January 2020 for children born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018.

This is for the school session 2020/21 - any children due to begin their ELC in August 2020, January 2021 or April 2021 should be registered during this time.

Registration can be done online (for local authority nurseries only) or by completing a paper registration form and taking it to your first choice of nursery.  You'll need your child's birth certificate and proof of your address with you at the time of registration.  If you're not able to register during this period, please contact educationandsocialcare@moray.gov.uk or 01343 563374.

1. Before you register please check the times being offered by your first choice of nursery and select only the times you will use - if you request more than you will use you could be stopping another child from gaining a place.
2. If you'd like to split your hours between a nursery and a childminder you should note this on your form and contact your preferred childminder at the time of registration to check they can accommodate you.
3. If you'd like to split your hours between two nurseries you should complete a registration form for each nursery and submit to both during registration.

Session 2020/2021

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:

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

ELC Expansion Parent FAQs

Audit Scotland Parents' Guide to ELC

Childcare Choices

Nursery Lunch Menu

Parent Club

Eligibility for increased Early Learning & Childcare provision