Nurseries and Pre-School Education
Perth & Kinross Council recognises that families have a
variety of different needs and preferences with regard to
pre-school education [pdf 638KB] and childcare. Perth &
Kinross Council is committed to providing high quality education in
all nursery schools and classes together with a variety of
childcare facilities including childminders, nurseries,
playgroups, out of school clubs and parent & toddler
groups.
Across Perth & Kinross there are currently 47
nursery classes based in primary schools, which offer morning
and afternoon sessions. A number of full-time nursery places are
also available to eligible children on a Council-wide basis. All
full-time places are allocated on a support for children &
families basis and further information is available within the
current
Nursery Policy Guidelines [pdf 733KB]. Perth & Kinross
Education and Children's Services is also in partnership with
approximately 40
partner provider centres to provide pre-school education
places. These include private nurseries, playgroups and nursery
classes within the private, voluntary and independent
sectors.
Parents are entitled to apply to any local authority managed
nursery or partner provider centre for their child's funded
pre-school place. Information regarding the allocation of nursery
places within Perth & Kinross is contained within the Council's
Nursery Policy Guidelines[pdf
733KB].
All providers of government funded pre-school education for 3 and 4
year olds are currently inspected by the Social Care and Social Work
Improvement Service (known at the Care Inspectorate)
and Her Majesty's
Inspectorate (HMI), part of Education Scotland. Staff
follow national guidelines for the education of children aged 3 - 5
years that encourage learning through play and the service must
meet standards laid down by HMI.
When will my child become eligible for a nursery place?
Children are entitled to a
pre-school education [pdf 638KB] place
in the term after their third birthday. Further information
regarding entry dates for pre-school education places is available
in the
Nursery Policy Guidelines [pdf 733KB].
In addition, children who will be 5 years of age between 15 August
2012 and the last day of February 2013 whose parents have decided
to
defer entry [pdf 218KB] to primary school are eligible to
register for a place at nursery schools and classes managed by
Education & Children's Services.
How and when should I register my child in nursery?
Parents can apply for a nursery place at local authority
nurseries in late February each year. A notice will be placed in
the local press detailing the relevant dates for nursery registration.
Registration forms together with copies of the
Nursery Policy Guidelines[pdf 733KB]
are available from all schools and partner provider centres.
Proof of the child's date of birth and address should be
presented at registration. This should be their birth certificate
and a recent utility bill. Proof of the parent's residency at the
time of application is also required, eg council tax documentation,
as this is used in determining priorities for allocation of
places.
How can I find out more about nursery provision?
Further information on pre-school education may be obtained by
contacting:
Education & Children's Services
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
PERTH
PH1 5GD
Tel: 01738 476343
Email: nursery-educ@pkc.gov.uk
