Archive Website of the UK government

What you are entitled to

All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). Free early education places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, children's centres, day nurseries, play groups and pre-schools and childminders.

For more information about free nursery education in your area, contact your Family Information Service (FIS). The FIS provides information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people's services available within their area.

• Find your local Family Information Service Opens new window

When your child qualifies for a free place

The table below shows when your child will become eligible for their free early learning place.

* Based on a three-term school year

Extra financial help

The free entitlement may not cover your family’s needs because of things like work commitments. If this is the case you may be able to get financial help with the costs of extra childcare.

• Getting help with preschool costs

Finding a free early years provider that suits you

There are a number of different types of early education setting that can offer the free entitlement:

Although there's no guarantee of getting a place with a particular provider, your LA should take your preference into account wherever possible.

There’s no voucher or grant involved - just check with your local Family Information Service (FIS).

• Early years: where your child can learn

• Find your local Family Information Service Opens new window

Standards for free early education providers

All settings receiving government funding to provide free early education to three to five year olds must:

• be included in their LA's Directory of Providers
• help children progress towards the ‘early learning goals’ set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage
• be inspected regularly by Ofsted

This means that your child will get a good quality early years education, regardless of which type of setting they attend.

• Checking quality and standards - Ofsted information

• Finding and choosing childcare

What your child will learn

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) focuses on the distinct needs of children from birth to five years old.

• Early Years Foundation Stage (birth to five years old)

More useful links

• Caring for a disabled child (caring for someone section)

• Talk to other parents and carers about preschool education (Mumsnet) Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Parents contacts