This service is managed by Education
Nurseries and funded childcare
We provide funded early learning and childcare for children from the term after their third birthday, through to the start of Primary One. Some two year old children are also eligible for a funded place. Funded places are available at our Council nurseries and through registered childminders across Orkney.
All children are entitled to 1,140 free hours per year - that's 30 hours per week over 38 weeks (term time) or 25 hours per week over 46 weeks (year round, available at selected larger settings). Additional hours beyond the funded entitlement are available at some settings at a charge - see the Early Learning and Childcare Charging Policy below.
Registration week runs from Monday 2 February 2026 at 9am to Friday 6 February 2026 at 5pm. If you miss registration week, please contact us
Early years team
Policies and useful links
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Early Learning and Childcare Policy
This document contains information regarding the Early Learning and Childcare Policy set by Orkney Islands Council. It outlines eligibility criteria for children, including standard entitlements from the term after their third birthday and extended provisions for qualifying two year olds based on specific benefits or care circumstances. The policy details registration procedures, how places are allocated and prioritised, and the standards expected from both local authority settings and partner providers. Additionally, it covers practical guidance on induction, family engagement, charges, staffing ratios, health and safety, and how to raise complaints or access further support.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Early Learning and Childcare Charging Policy
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s 2025/26 charging policy for early learning and childcare. It explains funded childcare of up to 1,140 hours for eligible children aged two to five, and the extra sessions some nurseries offer. Additional hours cost £6 per hour, must be booked in termly blocks at least seven days ahead, and are invoiced monthly. It also covers payment methods, tax-free childcare, refunds, unpaid fees and how to ask questions about an invoice.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Early Learning and Childcare: Scottish Government(opens in new tab)
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Find a Care Service - Care Inspectorate(opens in new tab)
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Parenting Across Scotland(opens in new tab)
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Parentzone Scotland(opens in new tab)
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Parent Club(opens in new tab)
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Scottish Book Trust(opens in new tab)
Strynd Nursery (0-5 Years)
Strynd Nursery at 13 Burnett Brae, Kirkwall provides daycare for children aged six months to five years, open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm.
We offer the funded early learning and childcare entitlement of 1,140 hours per year for children aged three to five and eligible two year olds. We also offer places for younger children and wraparound childcare, which can be purchased by families. Both full-time and part-time places are available.