Nursery Education Funding - Free early learning for three and four year olds
Free early learning gives children the best start in life. Through learning and playing with other children in a safe and structured environment, they will have a head start when they begin school.
What you are entitled to
- a minimum 12.5 hours of free learning per week for 38 weeks of the year
- in a school nursery class, nursery school, day nursery, playgroup or pre-school, or with a childminder if they are an Accredited Childminder as part of an approved Childminder Network.
When your child qualifies for a free place
The table below shows when your child will become eligible for their free early learning place.
If your child is born between: |
They are eligible for a free place from: |
1 April and 31st August |
1 September following their third birthday until statutory school age |
1 September and 31 December |
1 January following their third birthday until statutory school age |
1 January and 31st March |
1 April following their third birthday until statutory school age |
How the funding works
Parents must complete a Parental Declaration form at their chosen early years provider. The table below gives the Autumn term's grant entitlement.
Term |
Dates Covered |
Maximum entitlement of sessions |
Grant available |
Spring 2010 |
1st January to 31st March |
55 |
£495.00 |
How do I find out which providers I can use?
There are 115 early years providers across Milton Keynes. For details please contact the Families Information Service on 0800 035 0335 or email
childcare@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Parents are
strongly advised to read the following guidelines:
Spring 2010 Parent Information Leaflet.
Future changes to the Nursery Education Funding
This entitlement will rise to 15 hours a week from September 2010, delivered flexibly over a minimum of three days. This is explained in the
Early Years Funding Reform.
Guidance on the delivery of this funding can be found in
Local Code of Practice for Milton Keynes.
Contact us
If you would like any further information please contact the Nursery Education Funding
Co-ordinator:
Milton Keynes Childcare Home Page
