Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds

Early education can help to prepare children for school.  Children learn to mix with other children and adults, and to be comfortable away from you.  Depending on which setting you choose, they may meet children who will go to the same school when they are older and this can make settling in to school much easier. 

What will my child learn? 
Early education forms part of what is called the Early Years Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum which aims to support your child's development physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.  This stage starts from birth and carries on to the end of the first year at school.  

In an Early Education setting children are not necessarily made to read or write but develop skills on which reading and writing are based.  Reading and writing is generally introduced when children reach school.

Choosing Early Education
Most children start their education in a pre-school or maintained nursery although there are other types of places that also provide education for under 5's.  If you work you may want to use a day nursery. They can look after children between 8am and 6pm.  You would need to pay for this but you would still get your nursery education part free.  Some parents use childminders and there are an increasing number of childminders (called Accredited Childminders) who can offer the funded Nursery Education.  All places are free.  The rules for joining Maintained Nurseries are slightly different so please call the Children's Information Service to see if there is one close to you and for further information.  There are other providers like independent or private nursery schools or preschools with extended hours.  These may also be registered for Nursery Education Funding.  

To get a place for your child the best thing to do is to ring the setting and put your child's name down.  It is best to do this as soon as possible as some providers have waiting lists.  To find your nearest providers click here, or call the Children's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833.  You are free to choose whichever area you like, although a few over-subscribed preschools may have a 'catchment' area.

When can my child start receiving Nursery Education?
Your child can usually start nursery education from when they are 2 years 9 months old.  The government provides funding (called Nursery Education Funding) which currently runs from the term after your child is three.  If you would like them to attend before then you must pay.  Maintained nurseries work slightly differently, and have different guidelines on when children can start. Contact the Children's Information Service for more details.

When can my child get Nursery Education Funding?
All three and four year olds can access a free, good quality, part-time early education place.   The current rules mean that your child can receive a free place from the first term AFTER their 3rd birthday.  Follow the link below to enter your child's date of birth to see when they would qualify for a free place:

When will my child qualify for a free nursery place?  

What does a 'free place' mean?
Your child can get up to 5 free sessions a week for 38 weeks a year, with each session lasting three 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.  

How does the funding work?
Funding is paid directly to the childcare provider. Your preschool, nursery or childminder will ask you to complete a form each term and they sort out the funding - you do not need to do any thing else. 

Will I have to pay anything?
Nursery education is free for your child from the term following their third birthday, for up to five sessions a week. for 38 weeks of the year.

If you would like your child to attend a preschool or other provider at 2 years 9 months you will need to pay until your child is eligible for the funding.  Also, because a primary school year is for 39 weeks and the Nursery Education Funding is currently for 38 weeks some pre-schools may make a small charge for the extra week.  The preschool leader will be able to provide more details. 

If you need to pay fees for the additional services provided (for example, if a nursery is looking after your child for more than three hours), the funding will be passed to you as a saving on your fees.  If your child attends a setting that runs all year, such as a day nursery, you will also need to pay for the additional weeks not covered by Nursery Education Funding.   

If your child attends more than one setting you can either choose to use all of your allowance at one setting or to split the funding between the settings.  If you decide to split the funding you must let both settings know. 

Your childcare provider or the Children's Information Service can give you more information about any additional fees and charges which may be payable.  

How do I know my child will be safe? 
Preschools and day nurseries have to provide a certain number of qualified staff to look after the children and to offer early education.  This is checked regularly by OfSTED.  Everyone who works in a preschool or day nursery will have had a Criminal Records Bureau check, and all other providers of early education including childminders are also inspected and regulated by OfSTED.

Does my child have to attend early education sessions?
No, your child does not legally have to attend any type of early education.  However, it is recommended that your child mixes and socialises with other children and gets used to spending time away from you.  This will make starting Primary School a lot easier for your child, especially if they have already made friends with some children that they are then starting school with.  Many schools have close links with preschools and may send teachers out to help with the transfer.  Nearly all parents in Southampton send their children to some form of Early Education Setting.

How do I find an early education place for my child?
Early education places are provided by pre-schools, maintained nurseries, day nurseries, some childminders and nursery classes in schools. Click here to find an early education provider near you, or call the Children's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833. To look for an early education provider outside of Southampton, visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk or call 08000 2 346 346.