On-site childcare while you study

Our modern and vibrant nursery, located at Fraserburgh Campus, is a 30 place purpose-built childcare service for students at NESCol. Open Monday to Friday during term-time, this learning haven offers 6 places within our “Pups” area for children aged 6 months – 2 years and 24 places within the “Seals” area for 2-5 year olds. The nursery offers you the reassurance that your child is being well taken care of with the convenience of being just minutes away from the classroom.

High quality service provider

The service is operated by Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS) and is headed up by Manager Kimberley Fyfe who has worked in the childcare sector for over 10 years. Kimberley manages a team of highly qualified and experienced practitioners who together aim to support children in learning through play following the curriculum for excellence.

Read the May 2021 Care Inspectorate report where the NESCol nursery was awarded a grade 5 – very good.

Nursery facilities

The NESCol nursery is located to the rear of the Campus and is within a detached building with its own garden. The Pups area is a secure, safe and naturally lit space with areas for exploring, playing and resting. It also includes a separate changing space.

The Seals area has construction play spaces, a home corner, story and quiet areas, natural and eco- friendly areas, emergent writing table and messy play – all designed to develop children’s literacy; numeracy; health and well-being skills. The garden is a wonderful outdoor space ideal for gardening, water play and fun in the mud kitchen.

Applying for a nursery place

It is important to arrange childcare well in advance of the start date of your course. The actual days and times of your attendance at College may not be known until just before you actually start your course. However you are advised to make provisional plans, confirming the actual arrangements once your timetable is known. Draft timetables should be available from the end of June. Continuing students have priority for spaces, thereafter, places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Complete the online NESCol Nursery application form and send to childcarefunding@nescol.ac.uk. The Student Advice Centre will then contact you once course timetables have been agreed to advise you on the outcome of your application. If you have any queries on the form please contact the Student Advice Centre directly on 01346 586129. Upon confirmation of a place your details will then be passed to FCCS who will arrange for you to attend an induction day.

Childcare Funding

The College has funds which you may be able to access to help towards your registered childcare costs whilst studying at NESCol. To access this funding you must have completed your online bursary or SAAS application and have uploaded your identification. Initially you should contact the Student Advice Centre who will be able to confirm your eligibility for this funding and then forward a weblink to you for the relevant application form. This funding is limited and will be allocated on a first come-first served basis. The College will only cover childcare costs for the days you are timetabled to attend College.

Childcare Funding Guidelines 2021

Funded early learning and childcare places

This is free to parents, but funded by the Scottish Government. FCSS are registered as a funded provider and have limited places available. You must apply through Aberdeenshire Council. There are three intakes a year.

The January intake for 3-4 year olds is applicable for any parent applying to College with an August 2021 start date.

Apply for funded early learning – 3 and 4 year olds

Guidance – 3 and 4 year olds

Please make sure that you have applied for your College course before or at the same time as applying for funded places – this lets us know that you are a potential College student as funded places are available to all parents.