Early Learning & Childcare

Important Information

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) there have been changes made to this service.   For further advice and guidance please read our dedicated services update page. 

We thank you for your patience during this time.

Early Learning and Childcare

Our Education Services has 110 Early Years Nurseries and there are also 345 Private and Voluntary childcare providers throughout the City (to include private nurseries, playgroups, child minders', Out of School Care and Crèche facilities.

We are aware of the Importance of early years learning and have all the information you need to make the right choice for your child. We offer a wide range of information on all childcare services (0-5 years) and support services for families and providers.

Please visit the Glasgow Family Information Service (GFIS) website for more information.

For GFIS enquiries please email gfis@glasgow.gov. 

Pay your invoice online here. 

For all invoice and charging enquiries please email cbsEarlyYears@ced.glasgow.gov.uk. 

Or phone 0141 287 4702 

Early Learning and Childcare services in and around Glasgow

• Search for local childcare services in your area  
• Types of childcare                                           
• Entitlement to childcare                                    
• Cost of childcare                                                  
• How do I apply for a Council Nursery Place                                       
• Compliments, concerns and complaints                    
• News and Events         

Eligible 2 year olds

To find out if your 2 year old is eligible for free early learning and childcare, visit the GFIS website via this link www.gfis.org.uk

If your child is eligible and you wish to apply this can be done online here.

You will be advised of the outcome within 4 weeks from the date of your application. Please wait this time before making contact with the team.

For further information on Early Learning and Childcare visit the GFIS website here www.gfis.org.uk

If you do not have online access, please contact CBSEarlyYearsEligible2s@glasgow.gov.uk for assistance.

Is my child eligible?

• You must meet the criteria as stated in the GFIS website. Read criteria for eligible 2 year old here.

What evidence do I need to submit?

• Most recent award letter for any of the benefits / allowances / tax credits stated in the GFIS website
• Most recent letter confirming the child is looked after by the local authority or are subject to kinship care or guardianship order

A Blueprint for 2020 - The Expansion of Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland

• The Scottish Government has set out plans to increase the number of hours children across the country can access for free at nursery
• At the moment all 3 and 4 year olds and some 2 year olds receive 600 hours of early learning and childcare for free
• Under the new plans, this will increase to 1140 hours, almost double the current level of entitlement
• Further information and details on Council's expansion plans 2017 - 2020                               

Family Support

• Family Support Services                                           
• Benefits/income support                                              
• Additional Support for learning needs
• Funded Nursery Places                                               

Provider Support

• Training and Workforce Development                       
• National Childcare Support Organisations               
• Pre 5 Service provider information                             
• Partnership working with Glasgow City Council      

Links to other information services

• Glasgow Life                                                                
• Jobs and Business Glasgow                                     
• NHS                                                                                 

What is myaccount?

Myaccount gives you the ability to set up an online account using a single user name and password to access a range of online public services including some Glasgow City Council services. Read more about myaccount.