Parent guide to funded nursery education for three and four year olds

The Government's Nursery Education Funding scheme means that children aged three and four can have funded nursery education sessions until they start school

What is nursery education?

Children receiving nursery education will be working towards the Foundation Stage Curriculum.  The Foundation Stage is about learning through play and aims to promote children's development, wellbeing and interest in learning. It is the first stage of the National Curriculum. Children follow the Foundation Stage until the end of their reception year at infant or primary school.

Who provides nursery education?

Any childcare or nursery education provider approved to deliver nursery education under the Nursery Education Funding scheme.  This could be a day nursery, playgroup, early years centre, school-based group or a childminder approved to offer nursery education.  If you would like help in finding an approved nursery education provider, phone the Family Information Service on 0800 542 02 02.

When can my child get funded nursery education?

Children in Gloucestershire qualify for funded nursery education sometime after their third birthday.  The point at which your child qualifies depends on the date of their birthday, but this could be up to five months after their third birthday.  Your childcare or nursery education provider will be able to tell you when your child qualifies.

How much nursery education is funded?

Your child will be able to have up to fifteen hours each week during school term times.  The amount of nursery education that is funded changes from time to time.  Your childcare or nursery education provider will be able to tell you what is currently available.

How do I claim the funding?

Claiming the funding is simple.  Your childcare or nursery education provider will be able to tell you when your child qualifies and what you need to do.  The funding will be paid directly to your childcare or nursery education provider.

Next steps and more information

• Your childcare provider will be able to tell you when your child qualifies for Nursery Education Funding and will deal with the relevant paperwork.  Parents do not need to download any of the nursery education funding forms on this website.

• The County Council's Family Information Service can tell you more about nursery education funding.  They can also help you find a registered childcare or nursery education provider.  Phone 0800 542 02 02 or email familyinfo@gloucestershire.gov.uk. 
  
  You can also search for childcare and nursery education providers through the Family Information Service website.