Free Nursery Education

Free Nursery education entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds

What is this?

From the term after their third birthday every child is entitled to 15 hours free at a childcare setting for 38 weeks of the year.

When will my child be eligible?

Third birthday between:	Becomes eligible from:
1 April - 31 August	Start of Autumn Term
1 September - 31 December	Start of Spring Term
1 January - 31 March	Start of Summer Term

Where can my child receive this free entitlement?

There are many childcare settings providing this service within Torbay. You can use a day nursery, pre-school, school nursery class or an accredited childminder.

Please note that not all providers will be able to offer the full 15 hour, 38 week entitlement.

How can I use my free entitlement?

You can take your free entitlement in a variety of ways depending on what sessions the childcare setting you choose offers. A child can claim a maximum of 10 free hours in one day or 12½ hours over two days, whilst the full 15 free hours can only be used if a child attends 3 or more days at the setting. The minimum length of session that a child can claim free hours for is 2½ hours.

If you require, you are able to use the entitlement as either 5 hour long sessions, 3 times a week; or 3 hour long sessions, five times a week. Although settings are encouraged to be flexible, you may not be able to access this at your first choice of setting. If you find you are unable to access the hours you need please contact 01803 207893.

For more information, download the free nursery education leaflet (see Related Documents) or contact Early Years, Play and Childcare Service on 01803 207893.

Contact Torbay Early Years

Tel: 01803 207926
Email: earlyyears@torbay.gov.uk
Fax: 01803 207871

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