Free early learning for 3 and 4 year olds

What is it?

Three and four year old children are entitled receive 15 hours of free early education per week, 38 weeks per year.  This can be administered over three terms or stretched out to suit your needs.

How to get it

Your child’s nursery must be registered with Ofsted and included on the local authority list of early education providers to receive the free sessions. These include school nurseries, day nurseries, childminders and playgroups.

To find out if your child’s nursery is on the list of early education providers, please contact Liverpool Childcare and Family Information Service (CAFIS) on freephone 0800 085 2022 or ask a member of staff at your child’s nursery.

When does my child become eligible?

• If your child is born between 1 April and 31 August, they will be eligible for a free place from 1 September following their third birthday, until statutory school age.
• If your child is born between 1 September and 31 December, they will be eligible for a free place from 1 January following their third birthday, until statutory school age.
• If your child is born between 1 January and 31 March, they will be eligible for a free place from 1 April following their third birthday, until statutory school age.

Further information

• Guide for parents.
• Guide for providers.
• Contact Liverpool Childcare and Family Information Service on freephone 0800 085 2022.
• Read the Early Education Funding Agreement in full.