1. Residents
  2. Schools, Early Years and Learning
  3. Early Years
  4. How to apply
  5. How to apply

How to apply

The East Dunbartonshire Council Admissions Policy provides information on the Council’s process for allocation of early years places.  

On this page you will find information on:

FAQ's

A list of frequently asked questions is available.

View our FAQ's

Academic year 2023/2024-  New 3 or 4 year olds

Applications for academic year 2023 -2024 are open will close on 28th February 2023  You can submit a late application, however these will be considered after all applications received prior to the closing date. 

Apply for a new funded three or four year old place - academic year 2023/24

This form is for all children turning three in the up-and-coming academic year and covers applications for local authority and funded provider early years centres and Childminders.  The form will ask you to upload your child’s birth certificate, your Council Tax notice and a proof of home address – so it will be good to have this to hand prior to starting the application.  You should complete this form in the following circumstances:  

  • Your child has their 3rd birthday between 1st August and the last day of February in the up-and-coming academic year.  This application will cover your child’s three and four year old place for the two-year period, if you live within EDC and are applying to an early years centre in EDC. 
  • Your child has their 3rd birthday between 1st March and 31st July in the up-and-coming academic year.  Your child is entitled to a funded place from the day after their third birthday until the last day of July.  If your child’s birthday falls within a holiday period, their funded place commences from the first day of the next funding period.  Please Note:  if you are applying for the additional funded time between March-July, you must also re-apply next year using this same form to receive your child’s two-year funded three and four year old place.
  • Your child is returning for their four-year-old place, and you wish to apply for a different early years centre.
  • If you reside in another local authority and you wish to apply for an early years centre or childminder within EDC and your child has their 3rd birthday between 1st August and the last day of February in the up-and-coming academic year.

Apply for a funded two year old place

Apply for a funded two year old place:

Two year olds can start receiving funding early under a few different circumstances, including if they are in the care of the local authority or if their household is already receiving certain benefits [opens in a new window] also see  (FAQs).  Parent Club [opens in a new window] sets out more information on this. 

Apply for a paying two year old place (local authority early years centres only)

Apply for a paying two year old place at a local authority early years centre:

Some local authority early years centres have two-year-old spaces available for purchase.  This can fluctuate each year depending on demand for funded places. 

Apply for 6 week to 2 year place (local authority early years centres only)

Apply for 6 week to 2 year place.

Some local authority early years centres have spaces to provide childcare for babies aged 6 weeks to 2 years old. 

These spaces are ring-fenced for East Dunbartonshire Council residents.

Supported places:  Spaces in the baby rooms are prioritised to support children and families experiencing challenging circumstances and families in crisis.  If you think this applies to you, you can click the link above to submit an application.  Your Health Visitor (or other professional supporting your family) must submit a Request for Assistance to support this application. 

Paying places:  Paying spaces may become available from time to time.  The Depute Head of Centre can provide you with further information on availability of spaces. 

Early Years Alteration Request (local authority early years centres only)

Early Years Alteration Request (local authority early years centres only): This form can be used in the following circumstances:

  • Your child is returning to the same local authority early years centre for their four year old place, but you wish to request a new pattern of attendance.  This request will be considered and your early years centre will inform you if this change can be accommodated.
  • Your child is attending a local authority centre and you wish to request a change of pattern of attendance.  In line with the Admissions Policy, there is a limit to one change request per term.  This request will be considered and your early years centre will inform you if this change can be accommodated.
  • You wish to tell us about a change of circumstances.  It is important to inform your child’s early years centre if there are any changes in personal information, for example, a change of home address or surname.  You can upload a document if you wish – e.g. a new Council Tax notice.
  • You wish to submit a document for evidence:  e.g. your child’s birth certificate or evidence of receipt of a benefit for a two year old funded place.

Cross Boundary Applications (Non East Dunbartonshire Council)

If you reside within East Dunbartonshire and wish your child to attend early years provision out with East Dunbartonshire, the attached Cross-Boundary Leaflet will provide more information.   Please get in touch if you have any other questions on cross-boundary.

Local Authority Early Years Centre - Extended Hours - Contract and Fees Acceptance 

If you have applied for a paying place/ extended hours in a local authority early years centre, you will be issued with a contract and a separate fees letter that sets out how you will be invoiced.  Once you agree to both of these documents, the extended hours place can begin.  Please complete this LA EYC Extended Hours - Contract and Fees Acceptance Form to accept.