Early years provision and how to apply

From August 2020, parents and carers can choose to take some or all of their child's early learning and childcare funded entitlement with a Care Inspectorate registered Childminder that meets the Scottish Government National Standard and wishes to work in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council. 

The following Childminders can provide funded hours:

Lots of information on using your funded hours with a Childminder or becoming a Childminder to deliver the funded hours can be found on the SCMA website.

Scottish Families Information Service 
Care Inspectorate

1. When should I register my child aged 3 or 4 for an ELC place.

Applications can be made using the new online forms with effect from 11 January 2021 for session August 2021 - July 2022. The closing date is the 28 February 2021 and any applications received after that date are considered as late..

2. How do I register my child for a funded ELC place?

You can apply using one of our online application forms on the forms section of this page using the guidance notes for reference. If you are unable to complete the online application form you can request a paper copy by emailing earlyyears@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

If you are applying for a new 3 year old place you must complete a Early years application children aged 3 and 4 - 2021/22 application form and submit before 28th February 2021. When applying for a new 3 year old place the funding will be allocated for a 2 year period therefore you do not need to apply the following year.

For children aged 4 who will be returning to their current Local Authority Early Years Centre you are required to complete a 4 Year Old Continuation form. If you are looking to change Local Authority centres or continue with your chosen funded provider you must complete a new Early years application children aged 3 and 4 - 2021/22 application form.

3. My child is 2, are they entitled to a funded place?

Yes, if you are in receipt of:

• Children on the child protection register or looked after children
• Children who live in an area where the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation rank is 1 and 2 (www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/SIMD)
• Children from households in receipt of specific benefits as detailed below:
• Income Support (IS)
• Job Seekers’ Allowance (income based)
• Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity or Severe Disablement Allowance
• State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) - but not Working Tax  Credit (WTC) - and income is less than £16,105
• Both maximum CTC and maximum WTC and income is under £7,320
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
•  Universal Credit (this can be claimed if income is less than £610 per month).

Or if the child is:

• Looked after
• Under a kinship care order
• With a parent appointed guardian

Please note: Please check that your chosen provider offers places for 2 year olds.

If you do not meet the criteria for a funded place you may be able to purchase a place at an EDC Early Years Centre (subject to availability/capacity).

4. What do I need to support my application for an ELC place?

Supporting documents can be uploaded with the new online form (this can be a photo taken on your smart phone). The following documents must be submitted electronically with the form:

• Child's birth certificate
• Current Council Tax notice as proof of residency (if resident in East Dunbartonshire)
• Utility bill within the last 3 months (if resident in East Dunbartonshire)
• Proof of Guardianship (if applicable)
• Completed verification form for eligible 2 - 5 year old (if applicable)

If you are unable to attach your supporting documents take your evidence documents within 7 days (quoting your online application reference number) to your first choice centre if you are applying to a Local Authority Centre or if you are applying for Funded Provider funding take your evidence documents to one of our Community Hubs.

*Applications cannot be processed without supporting documents

5.  I do not have these documents can I still apply?

Yes you can apply, however your application will not move forward until you produce the documents required.

Child’s birth certificate – You can obtain a copy at your local Registration Office (there may be a charge for this).

Council Tax notice –  If you cannot provide this and are applying to a Local Authority Centre contact your first choice centre for further advice or if you are applying to a Funded Provider please contact Shared Services, Education 0300 123 4510 or email earlyyears@eastdunbarton.gov.uk for further advice.

Utility bill – This can be a paper copy or screenshot/photo of online statement.

6. How much does extended care cost?

You can purchase additional hours at a cost of 0-2 £5.13 and 2-5 £4.68 per hour and lunch for £2.43. This rate is subject to an annual review.

7. How can I pay?

Fees are invoiced monthly in advance and can be paid by various methods:

• Online on our payments page
• At any of our Hubs
• Direct debit
• Standing order
• Voucher payment including tax free scheme

8. I have not applied within the deadline – what do I do?

East Dunbartonshire Admission Policy follows The Scottish Government Statutory Guidance, and cut off points for funding is determined by this guidance.

All late applications will be considered after applications received within the deadline have been allocated.

9. When will I be notified of my allocation?

Allocation letters for children due to start in 2021 will be sent out to parents/carers at the beginning of May.

10. What are the holiday closure dates for extended year attendance for local authority ELC’s?

Speak with your chosen Early Years Centre about closure dates.

11. How do I contact Shared Services / Early Years? 
    email: earlyyears@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
    Tel:  03001234510