The term Early Learning and Childcare reflects the close link between learning and care, and recognises that learning cannot take place without a nurturing and caring environment. Orkney Islands Council offers at least 600 hours of free early learning and childcare to all children from the term after their third birthday. Some two year olds are also eligible for the free hours if parents are in receipt of particular benefits (see out website for more details).
You can use these hours in local authority nurseries, at private partner providers, and with child-minders who are in partnership to deliver free hours. You can find out more about what each setting offers, and who is in partnership, by going to our early learning and childcare website, or by contacting our elc email address (see above).
