Early Learning and Childcare

We have 32 nurseries within our primary schools. All of our settings will operate one of two models:

• school year (38 weeks a year)
• full year (48 weeks a year)

As nurseries do not operate catchment areas (unlike schools), parents can choose from any local authority setting offering the model they would prefer. The nursery you choose will determine which model of hours your child will receive. Alternatively, you can choose to take your funded hours with a funded provider (private nursery, childminder or community group) or a blend of these options. This, along with the ability to choose provision that will run throughout the traditional school holiday periods, offers greater flexibility. 

Changes from August 2026

The following nurseries will be moving from full year (48 weeks) to school year (38 weeks) from August 2026:

• Aberlady
• East Linton
• Law
• Longniddry
• Pinkie St Peter’s
• Sanderson’s Wynd
• Yester

The following nurseries will continue to offer early learning and childcare over the full year (48 weeks):

• Dunbar
• Gullane
• Haddington
• Letham Mains
• Ormiston
• Preston Tower
• St Mary’s
• Stoneyhill
• Wallyford
• Windygoul

Read more about the reasons for these changes.

School year (38 weeks)

Children attend Monday to Thursday (6.5 hours) and Friday mornings (4 hours) during term times only - view calendars

Find out which of our settings are offering this model

Full year (48 weeks)

Children attend nursery throughout the year except Christmas holidays and in-service days/ public holidays - view calendars

Full year (48 weeks) 2 day model

Children attend either Monday and Tuesday (9.5 hours per day) or Wednesday and Thursday (9.5 hours per day) plus allocated Fridays (9.5 hours). The 48 week model has been calculated to accommodate any closures on a Friday/Monday due to public holidays and in-service days, with the hours being divided across the full year. This means that each child will receive their full entitlement of hours regardless of the days they attend.

Find out which of our settings are offering this model

Full year (48 weeks) 3 and 4 day model

Children attend one of three models - Monday to Wednesday, Wednesday to Friday or Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  Each child will receive their full entitlement of hours regardless of the days they attend.

Find out which of our settings are offering this model

How to apply for a school nursery

You can apply for a place in a school nursery when your child turns two.

The nursery application form is available below and also from any of our East Lothian Council school offices. The completed form should be submitted to your first choice school nursery, with a copy of your child’s birth certificate.

Every effort will be made to give families their chosen nursery and preferred model, however it is not always possible as demand for places can be greater than those available so it is important to complete section 3 of the application form, listing up to three nursery choices, in order of priority. 

Download the nursery application form