Early Education provides an opportunity for all children to receive a period of free pre-school education before they are of compulsory school age. Early Education enables children to enjoy playing and learning before they go to school and to acquire the skills which will help them once they start school. All registered Early Education providers are inspected by Ofsted and children work towards the Early Learning Goals.

Where are places offered?

Places are offered in a range of settings: preschool playgroups, private day nurseries, Local Authority maintained nursery schools and classes, Local Authority maintained reception classes in infant and primary schools (4 year old places only) and independent schools.

In order to offer funded early education places, providers have to be registered with North Yorkshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, specifically for the purpose of claiming Nursery Education Grant.

How do I find a place?

Lists of registered settings can be obtained from the Families Information Service helpline (0845 6011630) or the Families Information Service website.  Parents may choose whichever type of provision most suits their needs and is most appropriate for their child. However if all places at a particular setting are full, it may be necessary to look elsewhere. Each setting will have its own admissions policy.

What is the entitlement?

Nursery Education Grant funds 5 x 2 and a half hour sessions per week for 38 weeks. The weeks funded will match those when North Yorkshire schools are open.  If a child attends for less than 5 sessions the amount of grant is paid proportionately. 

Most settings offer 5 sessions and activities are planned assuming a child will attend all 5. However it is possible to split the entitlement between 2 providers, so long as both settings are in agreement. Alternatively the admissions policy may require attendance at all 5 sessions. It is also possible for a child to attend 2 sessions in the same day provided there is an hour's break between.

Places in Local Authority maintained schools are free. In the private and voluntary sector, at least 2 and a half hours will be free but parents may be asked to pay "top-up" fees for any additional time.

Useful downloads Free Early Years Provision [3Mb] Information for parents and carers on free early years provision for 3 and 4 year olds   Contacts Families information service http://www.nyfamilies.info FIS.Information@northyorks.gov... Tel: 0845 6011630 Full details for Families information service