Education
Education and Learning provides early years, school and pupil support services across Orkney, helping children and young people access high-quality education, wellbeing support, transport, financial assistance and learning opportunities.
Pages managed by this department
Early learning and childcare
We provide a range of early learning and childcare options for children in Orkney, from funded nursery places for three to five year olds to registered childminder partnerships. This page brings together everything you need to know about our early learning and childcare provision.
Find a nursery or childminder
Childminders in Orkney must be registered with the Care Inspectorate. Some are in partnership with the Council and can offer free early learning and childcare hours, including blended placements. Find the current childminder list and inspection reports below.
Nurseries and funded childcare
Information on Willow Tree Nursery (for ages 6 months to three years old) and funded early learning and childcare for three to five year olds, including eligible two year olds. Registration, forms and related policies are available below.
Registration forms
Find forms for Early Learning and Childcare, Two year old registration, ELC and Primary One Placing Requests, Split Placing Requests, Childminder Registration and Willow Tree Nursery.
Choosing a different nursery
Although most parents choose a nursery near to where they live, you may find it more convenient to use one elsewhere. Requesting a place at a different nursery is called a Placing Request.
Delaying your child's start at school
Find out about deferring your child's entry to Primary One and what this means for their early learning and childcare place.
Free childcare for two year olds
Some two-year-old children are eligible for a funded Early Learning and Childcare place if their parents or carers receive certain benefits, or if the child is looked after by the local authority or is the subject of a kinship or guardianship order.
About our schools
Find school term dates, plus Curriculum for Excellence, Gaelic provision, and Young Enterprise Scotland.
Enrol in a school
Find out about Primary One enrolment, placing requests, and school catchment areas.
Getting to school
Find out about school transport, weather-related closures, and school crossing patrols.
Information for parents
Find out how you can get involved in your child's school, and support for additional learning needs.
Learn a musical instrument at school
Find out about our free Instrumental Music Service, how to apply, and what to expect.
School meals
Find out about school meal menus, prices and how to pay, and free meals for eligible families.
Free school meals and clothing allowance
Find out who is eligible for free school meals and school clothing allowances, how to apply, and the support available to help families with the cost of education.
Home education
Find out about home education in Orkney, including parental rights and responsibilities, as well as guidance and support available from the Scottish Government and other organisations.
Papdale Halls of Residence
Papdale Halls of Residence is our school hostel in Kirkwall, providing accommodation for up to 70 secondary school pupils from the North and South Isles who attend Kirkwall Grammar School. Opened in 2013, the Halls are set at the edge of rural woodland close to the school.
Admissions and accommodation
Who can apply to stay at Papdale Halls, how the admissions process works, and what to expect when you arrive.
Life at Papdale
Facilities, meals, homework support, activities, medical arrangements and what happens when ferry services are disrupted.
Practical information for parents and carers
Staffing, medical arrangements, ferry disruption procedures, inspections and how to contact us.
Group bookings
School groups, youth organisations and other groups can book the Halls during school holidays.
Pupil wellbeing and support
We are committed to making sure every child and young person in Orkney gets the right support to learn, thrive and reach their full potential. Our Pupil Support team works with children, young people, families and other services to make sure no-one is left behind.
Additional support for learning
How we support children and young people who need extra help to learn, including our Pupil Support Team, the GIRFEC approach and how to request involvement.
Educational psychology service
How our Educational Psychologists work with children, young people, families and schools to overcome barriers to learning and wellbeing.
Pupil care and welfare
Information on attendance, bullying, child protection, medicines in school, looked after children and support for LGBTQ+ young people.
Transition planning
How we support young people with additional support needs to plan for life after school.
Building community capacity
The Community Learning and Development Service works with local groups and organisations across Orkney, providing training, advice and support to help communities thrive and improve quality of life.