Free early learning
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Free early learning
What is free early learning?
Through learning and playing with other children in a safe and structured environment following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (the framework all early years providers follow) three and four year olds will have a head start when they start school. For more information on EYFS
- speak to your childcare provider
- contact a Family Information Service Adviser for an information leaflet
- visit Department for Children, Schools and Families
Free Early Learning
All three and four year olds are entitled to free, part time, early learning. Funding is available from the terms outlined in the table below until the term in which the child turns five.
| Date of third birthday | Term funding starts |
|---|---|
| 1 January - 31 March | Summer |
| 1 April - 31 August | Autumn |
| 1 September - 31 December | Spring |
Free early learning sessions are available at most nursery classes and schools, day nurseries, and playgroups in Brighton & Hove as well as with some specially trained childminders. Some people still call this the Nursery Education Grant or nursery vouchers but these terms are no longer used officially.
For more information
- contact the Family Information Service
- Click here for our factsheet Free Early Learning [PDF 114kb]ask your child's childcare provider
- visit the DCSF website for information for parents and carers,
- contact Early Education, the British Association for Early Education
- search Under 5s for free information and resources