Free early years education is available for eligible for some 2 year-olds, and all 3 and 4 year-olds.
It is the first part of the Early Years Foundation Stage – completed in the reception class at school. Government funding allows us to provide free places of up to 15 hours a week for eligible 2 year-olds from the term after their second birthday and, all 3 and 4 year-olds from the term after their third birthday.
The 15 hours can be taken in any combination of hours, over a minimum of 2 days a week, subject to reasonable demand.
The free entitlement is equal to 15 hours a week over a minimum of 38 weeks.
When to apply
If your child turns 2
To start
Submit application by
Between 1st September to 31st December
1st January (Spring term)
December
Between 1st January to 31st March
1st April (Summer term)
March
Between 1st April to 31st August
1st September (Autumn term)
August
Early years education for 3 and 4 year-olds
If your child is 3 or 4 year-old you should complete an Application Form and bring it into the Nursery along with your child’s Birth Certificate and a council funding form.
