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Early-education places

The Government funds LAs to ensure a free part-time early-education place is available for every 3-and 4-year-old in settings that have been inspected by Ofsted, and found to be satisfactory in quality in England.

From 1 April 2006 3-and 4-year-olds are entitled to free Early Years education, comprising 12.5 per week for 38 weeks of the year. Parents do not contribute towards this minimum entitlement but may be charged fees for any services or childcare additional to the free place.

Free places can be provided by a variety of providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors including registered childminder networks.

Eligibility dates

All children are entitled to up to 2 years of free early education before reaching statutory school age; the first term following their fifth birthday from 1 September, 1 January or 1 April following their 3rd birthday. Depending on local arrangements for admissions to schools, many children start full-time education in school Reception classes before reaching compulsory school age.

Children born between 1 April and 31 August (inclusive) will be eligible to a free place from 1 September following their third birthday.

Children born between 1 September and 31 December (inclusive) will be eligible to a free place 1 January following their third birthday.

Children born between 1 January and 31 March (inclusive) will be eligible to a free place 1 April following their third birthday.

Contacts and resources

Local children’s information service

Read about our Code of practice on the provision of free nursery education places for 3-and 4-year-olds.

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Last updated on 29/04/2009