Early Years Education
Good quality early education delivered in early childhood is crucial in terms of children's development and well-being.
All children are entitled to receive a free, good quality, part-time early education place for the term following their 3rd birthday.
The entitlement is currently 5x2½ hour sessions for 33 weeks per year (11 weeks per term), but there are government plans to increase this in the near future. Free early years education is available at a variety of settings and although these might be very different they all have to meet certain criteria.
- Be registered with their local authority to deliver the Foundation Stage Curriculum.
- Be inspected on a regular basis by Ofsted.
Settings that deliver early years education include nursery and reception classes in primary schools, nursery schools and day nurseries, pre-school groups and some childminders.
To find out whether your child is entitled to a free early education place or to find out about settings where you can claim your entitlement please telephone the Children's Information Service.
