Funding for Under 5's

All three and four year olds are entitled to a free part-time early education in a nursery, playgroup, reception class, pre-school or with an accredited childminder. This free education place consists of a minimum of 12.5 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year and becomes available to them from the 1 September, 1 January or 1 April following their third birthday. For example:

For Children Born Between:	Free Place Available From:
1 January and 31 March	1 April following their 3rd birthday
1 April and 31 August	1 September following their 3rd birthday
1 September and 31 December	1 January following their 3rd birthday

All children receiving free early years education will be taught the Foundation Stage curriculum - the first stage of the National Curriculum that focuses on the needs of children aged three until the end of the reception year of primary school. The Foundation Stage is delivered through planned play activities which helps to ensure that all children experience the best possible start to their education and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

There are a range of registered settings that offer free part-time early education; all must be registered with the local authority and be inspected on a regular basis by education inspectors appointed by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). Settings include:

voluntary playgroups
voluntary pre-schools
day nurseries
private nursery schools
maintained nursery schools
nursery classes attached to primary schools
primary school reception classes
a childminder's home (where the childminder is part of an approved childminding network)