Children aged 3 and 4 years can now benefit from an extra 2 ½ hours of free early years education and childcare a week, at a registered provider, under the new’ free entitlement’ scheme.
From this month, the ‘free entitlement’ for all 3 and 4 year olds in Nottinghamshire has increased from 12 ½ hours to 15 hours, over a minimum of 38 weeks of the year.
There are over 16,000 early education and childcare places available across Nottinghamshire where the ‘free entitlement’ can be taken. Places are available in local authority maintained schools as well as private, voluntary and independent sector providers, including day nurseries and pre-schools, as well as some childminders that are part of an approved network.
The places are funded by the government and start the term after the child’s third birthday. For example, if a child turns three this September, October, November or December, their free place would start in January 2011.
Nottinghamshire Families Information Service (FIS) can provide details to parents and carers of all registered providers in their local area and can help them find a place.
For more information about finding a free early years education and childcare place in Nottinghamshire, ring 08449 80 80 80. Alternatively e-mail: fis@nottscc.gov.uk.
