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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 

Policies and useful links


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.

Related resources