Free early education for three and four year olds

What is the free entitlement for three and four year olds?

• Free early education and care available to all three and four year olds the term after their third birthday
• 15 hours per week 38 weeks per year is available and this can now be stretched out to include holiday periods - although this can only be done from the beginning of each new term
• The free entitlement now works in hours and they can be taken in line with the core offer below, we call this being flexible:
  • Child is eligible
  • Minimum of two and a half hours per day
  • Maximum of ten hours in one day
  • Maximum of twelve and a half hours over a two day period
  • The full entitlement must be spread over at least three days
  • Maximum of two providers

When is my child entitled to a free early education place?

• Your child may access a place from the term after their third birthday, subject to the capacity of your chosen childcare provider
• Children born between 1 April and 31 August will be eligible to a free place from 1 September following their third birthday
• Children born between 1 September and 31 December will be eligible to a free place from 1 January following their third birthday
• Children born between 1 January and 31 March will be eligible to a free place from 1 April following their third birthday

Where can I access the free entitlement?

• At OfSTED registered childcare providers who meet the standards set to provide a safe and secure environment:
  • Day nurseries
  • Accredited childminders
  • Primary sSchools (with nursery classes attached)
  • Playgroups
  • Independent schools
• You should have some choice over how you “spend” the free entitlement but this does depend on provider capacity
• Contact the Starting Life Well service for help and advice to find a childcare provider who meets your needs

How do I access the free entitlement?

• Once you have chosen your provider and you feel confident your child will be happy there, you will be required to register with them by completing a Parent Declaration Form
• This means providing proof of eligibility for the free entitlement (e.g. birth certificate), and negotiating the hours your child will attend the setting
• The free entitlement should be free on point of contact or with immediate reduction in fees
• Your provider may charge you for providing breakfast, lunch or snacks, this should be agreed in advance

What else do I need to know?

• You do not have to buy additional hours or “top up” sessional costs
• You should not be charged for any part of the free entitlement
• Remember to inform Tax Credits of any reduction in your nursery fees
• The free entitlement does not affect any means tested benefits

For further information please contact the Starting Life Well Service by email at SLW@salford.gov.uk.

This page was last updated on 25 November 2011