Free early learning for three and four year olds (South West Wiltshire Liberal Democrats)

South West Wiltshire Liberal Democrats <info@swwiltshirelibdems.org.uk>

Free early learning for three and four year olds

October 25, 2010 9:41 AM

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.

All three and four year olds are now entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year (an increase from 12.5 hours). This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). Free nursery education can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or with childminders.

Parents can obtain information about free nursery education in Wiltshire by contacting the Family Information Service (FIS). The FIS provides information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people's services available within Wiltshire.

From September, all local authorities (LAs) will be offering an extended free entitlement of 15 hours per week. The Government has publishing a revised Code of Practice which supports LAs to deliver the flexible extension, with a particular emphasis on driving quality improvement and working in partnership with providers. The new "Code of practice for local authorities on delivery of free Early Years provision for 3 and 4-year-olds" states that these 15 hours of early learning must be free to parents at the point of delivery. Providers are required to sign an annual declaration indicating that they will comply with the terms of both national and local codes of practice in order to receive Free Entitlement funding.

Wiltshire Council gets a grant from government to fund this free entitlement. In 2010/11, the total budget available to fund free entitlement to early education is £14.32 million.

Further information is available by contacting the Early Years Free Entitlement Team on earlyyears@wiltshire.gov.uk or telephone 01225 785661.