Islands Scotland · Early Years
Nurseries in Shetland Islands
Shetland's ELC network is small but well-resourced, concentrating on Lerwick with provision across the islands. The council is the primary provider; private nurseries are very scarce. Funded hours are term-time only at most settings due to the remote nature of many communities.
~£220/wk
Avg cost under-3
1,140 hrs
Funded hours/year
Term-time only
Funded delivery
January
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Apply for a nursery place in Shetland Islands
Every child in Scotland is entitled to 1,140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare per year from the term after their third birthday. In Shetland Islands, applications for council nursery places typically open in January for an August start. Apply early — council places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis in most areas.
How funded hours work in Shetland Islands
Shetland Islands offers term-time only for the 1,140 funded hours.
~30 hours/week during school term time (~38 weeks/year). You will need to arrange and fund alternative care during school holidays.
Finding a funded partner provider
Your child can use any nursery or childminder on Shetland Islands's approved partner provider list — not just council-run nurseries. Ask any private nursery or childminder whether they are a funded partner before enrolling.
Contact Shetland Islands Council for partner listCare Inspectorate ratings for Shetland Islands nurseries
All Scottish nurseries and childminders are regulated by the Care Inspectorate, which publishes inspection grades on a 1–6 scale (1 Unsatisfactory → 6 Excellent). Look for grades of 4 (Good) or above across all key questions — particularly Quality of care and support and Quality of management and leadership.
A grade 3 (Adequate) in any category warrants a closer look. A grade 1 or 2 is a serious warning sign — check whether an improvement notice is in place.
Search Shetland Islands nurseries on Care InspectorateChildcare costs in Shetland Islands
Under-3 full-time
~£220
per week (private)
Funded hours saving
~£5,500
per year (age 3+)
Tax-Free Childcare
20%
top-up (max £2k/yr)
The average weekly cost for an under-3 in a full-time private nursery place in Shetland Islands is approximately £220. Once your child turns 3 (from the term after their birthday), the 1,140 funded hours kick in — worth around £5,500 per year and significantly reducing your net cost. You may also be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (20% government top-up on costs above the funded hours) and Universal Credit childcare element.
Nearby council nursery guides
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about nurseries in Shetland Islands
When can I apply for a council nursery place in Shetland Islands?
Shetland Islands Council typically opens applications in January for children starting the following August. Contact the council or your preferred nursery directly to confirm the exact window for the current cycle.
How are the 1,140 funded hours delivered in Shetland Islands?
Shetland Islands offers term-time only delivery. This means around 30 hours per week during term time (approximately 38 weeks per year).
Does my child have to use a council nursery for their funded hours in Shetland Islands?
No — your child can use any nursery or childminder on Shetland Islands's funded partner provider list. All council nurseries qualify automatically. Check with individual private nurseries and childminders to confirm they are registered as partner providers before committing.
How much does a full-time nursery place cost in Shetland Islands for an under-3?
Full-time private nursery places for children under 3 in Shetland Islands cost around £220 per week on average (2025/26 data). This is before any funded hours or Tax-Free Childcare discount. Funded hours (from age 3) can reduce this significantly — in practice most families pay only top-up fees above the funded amount.
What is the Care Inspectorate and how do I check a nursery's rating?
The Care Inspectorate is Scotland's independent regulator for care services, including all nurseries and childminders. It inspects services and gives grades from 1 (Unsatisfactory) to 6 (Excellent) across key areas including the quality of care and support, the environment, leadership, and staffing. You can search all registered services in Shetland Islands at the Care Inspectorate website — look for grades of 4 (Good) or above.
Are two-year-olds eligible for funded hours in Shetland Islands?
Some two-year-olds qualify for funded hours in Scotland through the 'eligible two-year-old' route. Eligibility is based on family circumstances — children in care, those with a child protection plan, or those whose parents receive certain benefits may qualify for up to 600 hours from age 2. Contact Shetland Islands Council's early years team to check your child's eligibility.
Last updated May 2026.
Average nursery costs from Coram Childcare Survey 2026 and Care Inspectorate service data. Funded hours information from Scottish Government ELC Statistics 2025. Always confirm application dates and partner provider status directly with Shetland Islands Council. See our editorial policy.