All parents can get free Nursery Education through the Nursery Education Grant regardless of nationality or how much they earn.
Free Nursery Education is available for many children from the start of the term following their third birthday until they start school. See below to check when your child will become eligible.
What is my child entitled to?
-
15 hours of free nursery education each week over a minimum of 3 days
-
Between 8:00am and 6:00pm
-
In sessions of at least 2.5 hours
-
Over 38 weeks of the year
-
With a maximum of 2 collaborating providers
-
12.5 hours if taken over two days.
Where will the places be offered?
You can use this at a childcare provider that is registered with Ofsted to offer early education and therefore, accepts the nursery education funding for your child.
This may be:
*Check with our Family Information Service to find out if the childcare provider you are thinking about using is registered to offer early education.
Are there any additional charges?
Providers may charge for meals as long as it is agreed in advance with parents. If this is not affordable, you should be given the option of bringing in a packed lunch for your child.
Providers can not charge you for additional services if your child is only accessing the entitlement; these may include goodie bags, registration fees, uniform etc.
How does the system work?
Leicester City Council pays the funding directly to the childcare provider for each child. This is paid over the school year, which is divided into three terms. The Government operates on school term times so nursery education funding does not cover the holidays.
Many children go to a maintained nursery school (nursery attached to a school) before they reach compulsory school age. If your child attends school for less than 15 hours then you can claim the rest of the funding at another provider.
What if my child is already in full time nursery or another provider that offers early years education?
If your child is eligible for nursery education funding, the appropriate amount will be deducted by the childcare provider from any fees that you are paying.
Things to remember
-
You do not have to claim the maximum 15 hours per week, you need to decide how many hours will be suitable for you and your child
-
Be honest about any special needs your child may have and share your concerns with the staff. They can access additional help to support your child. The money is for nursery education not childcare.
Can I use the Nursery Education Funding at more than one setting?
Yes, you can. If a child is attending 2 different settings it is very important that both providers are made aware of this, as the funding may have to be split between the two settings.
It is still only possible to claim up to a total of 15 hours, but parents must decide how many hours are claimed for at each setting, and then inform both settings of the decision.
The dates below will help you to work out when your child will become eligible for the funding.
A child aged three by:
31 March will be eligible for funding in the Summer Term
31 August will be eligible for funding in the Autumn Term
31 December will be eligible for funding in the Spring term
How do I find out about early education providers in my area or general information about the nursery funding?
For more information about the NEF providers in your area and what you need to do to access your free place, please contact our Family Information Service.
Further information and contacting us
For further information and a list of providers registered to provide early education through the Nursery Education Grant, contact us.
Phone
0800 952 5678 (freephone)
0116 225 4890 (local rate)
Online
Email: family@leicester.gov.uk
Website: http://families.leicester.gov.uk/
