This service is managed by Education
Registration forms
When does my child start?
| Child's birthday | Eligible to start |
|---|---|
| 1 March to 31 August | August (autumn term) |
| 1 September to 31 December | January (spring term) |
| 1 January to 28/29 February | April (summer term) |
If your child is three or four years old and currently in their first year of early learning and childcare, they will automatically be carried forward for their second year in their current setting. You do not need to complete a new registration form unless you wish to change setting.
If your child is not yet five on or before the first day of school in August, they can still start school that year. However, you have the option to defer their entry by a year. If you choose to defer, please confirm this with your early learning and childcare setting. Your child will automatically be carried forward for an additional year and you will not need to complete a Primary One registration form.
If your child turns five on or before the first day of school in August, they will start school that year. To register your child for Primary One, complete the Primary One registration form.
Children aged two may be eligible for a funded two year old place. See the Eligible Two Year Olds page for more information. Applications should be made no earlier than three months before the child's second birthday.
If you have any queries or need help, contact:
Early years team
Forms
Registration forms can only be accessed once registration opens. If you would like to register for 25/26, please get in touch.
| Form | When to use it |
|---|---|
| ELC Registration Form | Use this form if you are registering your child for their first year placement or registering them for the first time into an Orkney setting. |
| Two Year Old Registration Form | Use this form if your child is two years old and eligible for a placement. |
| ELC and Primary 1 Placing Request form | Use this form if your child may require placement at a setting outside your catchment area - for example, due to a house move or having other children already attending the requested setting. |
| Split Placing Request Form | Use this form if you would like to use more than one setting. For example, a partnership childminder and a local authority nursery. |
| Childminder Registration Form | Use this form if you would like to use your funded hours with one of the partnership childminders, or split hours between a childminder and your local nursery. |
| Strynd Nursery Application | Use this form if you are registering your child for Strynd Nursery. |
FAQs
How do I apply for my funded place?
How do I apply for my funded place?
To apply for your child's first year of funded early learning and childcare, complete an online registration form during registration week. Forms submitted after the deadline will still be accepted, but this may reduce your chances of securing your preferred provision. If you have any difficulties, contact:
Early years team
If my child is already in their first year of nursery, do I still need to register again?
If my child is already in their first year of nursery, do I still need to register again?
No. If your child is three or four years old and currently in their first year of early learning and childcare, they will automatically be carried forward for their second year in their current setting. You only need to complete a registration form if you wish to change setting for their second year.
When will I know if we have a place?
When will I know if we have a place?
After registration week, you will be contacted by your local setting to confirm your child's place and to find out what happens next. Everyone should be contacted by May.
Where does the information I enter into the online registration form sit?
Where does the information I enter into the online registration form sit?
The registration form is hosted on MyOrkney, the Council's online services platform. Once registered, your personal details are saved so you do not need to enter them each time. If you prefer not to register for an account, you can proceed directly to the form without doing so. You can find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy.
I have further questions - who can I contact?
I have further questions - who can I contact?
Contact your local nursery or partnership childminder in the first instance, or email us at: