This year’s Orkney nursery registration process has moved online for the first time due to the current COVID-19 restrictions.
Registration week is from 5-12 March 2021 and parents are invited to register via Education/Learning on the OIC website.
The Council’s Head of Education, Peter Diamond, said: “This year due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we have had to think differently about how to carry out our nursery registration so that parents/carers to do not have to hand forms into the school office.
“We have endeavoured to make the process as straightforward as possible, but our Early Years Team are here to help if anyone encounters any issues.”
Completed registration forms are automatically date and time recorded when they are submitted.
Key information
Children born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018 who are currently attending their first year of Early Learning and Childcare will automatically be carried forward for their second year of Early Learning and Childcare in their current setting. They do not need to complete a registration form unless they are requesting to change setting for their second year in the Papdale catchment area. A Change of Setting form will be available and should be submitted during registration week accessed in Education/Learning from the OIC website.
Children born between the 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2019 become entitled to their first year of funded Early Learning and Childcare place the term after their third birthday as below:
| Children born between. | Eligible to start. |
| 1 March 2018 – 31 August 2018. | 17 August 2021 (Autumn Term). |
| 1 September 2018 - 31 December 2018. | 5 January 2022 (Spring Term). |
| 1 January 2019 - 28 February 2019. | 19 April 2022 (Summer Term). |
During registration week you need to complete the online registration form accessed in Education/Learning on the OIC website where information on all local settings and childminders in partnership will also be available. Online registration forms can be accepted after this deadline but please be aware that in some settings, spaces may be oversubscribed.
Children born between the 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020 may be eligible for a two-year-old place the term after their second birthday if parents/carers are in receipt of certain benefits. Registration for a two year place is continually open, an application form can be completed by accessing Education/Learning on the OIC website.
If you require assistance, have any queries or need further information please contact the Early Years Team, Education, Leisure and Housing on 01856873535 ext 2407 or 3204 or email elc@orkney.gov.uk.
