Pete & Debbie Williams

All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. 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 at their childminders. Funding starts on the term after a child′s 3rd birthday.

Early education in a home based setting can be ideal for many children and families. Your child is able to continue in a setting they are familiar with and your overall childcare bill may be reduced. However you can choose to split the 15 hours entitlement between two providers, ie a registered childminder and a local authority nursery.