Early Education
Since September 1998, all four year olds have been able to access a free, good quality, part-time early education place. From April 2004, this entitlement was extended to include all three year olds. A free nursery education place consists of a minimum entitlement to five two-and-a-half hour sessions of early years education per week for 33 weeks per year, usually three terms of 11 weeks. Parents are not required to contribute towards this minimum entitlement but may be charged fees for any additional services or childcare which may exceed the free place. Free places can be provided by a variety of providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors including registered childminder networks.
We are working towards the development of free education and childcare of 15 hours, for 38 weeks per year, for all 3 & 4 year olds, whether in maintained, private or voluntary provision from September 2010.
To support planning and implementation of this extended offer please visit the resource section.
Parents click here to access information pages on free nursery entitlement for 3 & 4 year olds.