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Early Learning and Childcare

Welcome to Orkney’s Early Learning and Childcare web page. Here you will find information on our new Willow Tree Nursery (0-3 non-statutory provision) and our statutory funded early learning and childcare provision (Local Authority Nurseries and partnership childminders). Our ELC policies can be found in the 'Related Downloads' section of this page.

Registration week for funded Early Learning and Childcare and Primary 1 is Friday 23 February 9am until 5pm Friday 1 March 2024.

If you still require to register for the current year please contact elc@orkney.gov.uk.


Early Learning and Childcare logoFunded Early Learning and Childcare (3-5 year olds including eligible 2 year olds)


Willow Tree Nursery  logoWillow Tree Nursery (0-3 years)

Willow Tree nursery is a new provision which opened summer of 2021 for children aged 6 months to 3 years. Children can attend until they become eligible for a government funded Early Learning and Childcare place (the term after the child turns three) which is offered in local authority nurseries throughout Orkney as detailed below.

The nursery offers both full and part time places. Parents can request a part time place based on a combination of these session times:

  • Mornings with lunch from 0800-1300 (5 hours)
  • Afternoons from 1300-1730 (4.5 hours)

All places are £6 per hour.