Paying for childcare - Help for parents of 3 and 4 year olds
In Southampton three and four year olds are entitled to a free part-time early education place. The free place becomes available in the term after your child's third birthday – click the link below to select your child's date of birth to see when this would be:
Calculate Nursery Funding Date
If you live outside Southampton, but your child attends a setting in Southampton you will still be entitled to a free place.
What does a 'free place' mean?
Your child can get up to 5 free sessions a week free for at least eleven weeks a term, with each session lasting two and a half hours. Initially they may be offered one or two sessions a week and may build up to five sessions a week by the time they are four or over. This usually depends on whether you feel your child is ready and if the pre-school has more sessions to offer.
Will I have to pay anything?
If you would like you child to attend at 2 years 9 months you will need to pay until your child is eligible for funding. Also, because a primary schools year is 39 weeks and pre-school funding is for up to 38 weeks some pre-schools may make a small charge for the extra week. The pre-school leader will be able to provide more details.
How does the funding work?
Funding is paid directly to the childcare provider. You will be asked by the provider to complete a declaration form. If you need to pay fees for the additional services provided (for example, if a nursery is looking after your child for more than two and a half hours), the funding will be passed to you as a saving on your fees.
Your childcare provider or the Children and Young People's Information Service can give you more information about any additional fees and charges which may be payable.
How do I find an early education place for my child?
Early education places are usually provided by pre-schools, nurseries and nursery classes in schools. Some childminders in Southampton are also qualified to deliver early education. Click here to find an early education provider near you, or call the Children and Young People's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833.
Starting school
Children are of compulsory school age when they turn five on or before the cut-off date prior to the start of the following term. The national cut-off dates are 31 March, 31 August, and 31 December. However, in Southampton, children are able to start Reception Class in the September after their fourth birthday and in a Maintained Nursery Class in the half term after their third birthday. In order to obtain a place in a school of your choice you will need to fill in an application within given timescales. Click here to find out more about the process of starting school in Southampton.
Finding out more
Contact the Children and Young People's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833 if you need to know more about:
- Free early education places for your three or four year old
- Which services are registered to provide free places
- Advice on combining services to benefit your child and match your working hours
