Free Early Learning and Care in Nottinghamshire
What is early learning and care?
All children are entitled to an early years place known as the free entitlement from the term after their third birthday. By accessing an early years place your child could gain new experiences and develop new skills whilst playing with other children and making friends.
The framwork for learning,development and care for all children aged 0-5 is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). At the heart of EYFS are the following principles:
- Play is vital for children's well-being and for their learning
- Providers work closely with parents and carers establishing a two way flow of information
- Good relationships give children emotional security
- Provision is inclusive. It reflects and meets the needs of all children, from all backgrounds and at all levels of ability.
What is my child entitled to?
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early learning and care, over 38 weeks of the year.
When can my child go?
- Children who are three in January, February or March can have their free place from the start of the summer term
- Children who are three in April, May, June, July or August can have their free place from the start of the autumn term
- Children who are three in September, October, November or December can have their free place from the start of the spring term.
Who provides early years education?
Your child may go to any early years setting which is included in the Nottinghamshire Directory of Providers and has a place available. This includes many:
- day nurseries
- independent schools
- nursery centres
- nursery units in schools
- pre-schools or playgroups
- schools with pre-school groups
- childminders part of an approved network
- sure start children's centres
How do I find a place?
- Contact Nottinghamshire Families Information Service on FREEPHONE 0800 781 2168. If calling from a mobile ring 01623 520 694) standard mobile rates apply. Or visit www.parents.info/nottinghamshire for a list of providers in your area. You may decide to visit several providers to help you choose the right setting for your child.
- Once you have chosen where you would like your child to go, check that there is a place available and confirm the start date.
- When you have confirmed your child's start date, your provider will give you a form to complete, so that they can claim the funding for your child's place. This will be paid directly to the provider.
Extra support for children with special educational needs
Early Years and Childcare Services is committed to supporting early years and childcare providers to work towards an inclusive approach. This means being able to meet the individual needs of all children. Providers can get extra funding to support children with additional needs. For more information, speak to your provisions manager or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). They will be able to get information through their Early Years Specialist Teacher.
Early Years and Childcare Services is working to make sure that there are enough high-quality early years education places in the county.
You can contact our Early Years and Childcare Services team as follows:
Post: The Early Years and Childcare Services
Children and Young People's Services
County Hall
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7QP
Tel: 0115 878 7500
Fax: 0115 878 7524
E-mail: ey&cc@nottscc.gov.uk
