From the term after your child's third birthday, they can have up to 15 hours a week at a local nursery or with a childminder funded by the government.
Early years provider portal, setting up new childcare, becoming a childminder, free early education funding, Pupil Premium for early years children, early years foundation stage consultants, safeguarding, and Family Information Service documents.
If you receive some additional forms of government support or you are working and on low income you can apply direct with the county council for 15 hours of funded early education and childcare for your 2-year-old.
Our new course programme for 2025-26 is now available. Training for nursery settings and schools, childminders and out of school settings. Also includes online courses and free training opportunities for all early years settings.
School and childcare strategies and policies, children and young people's plan, charging policy for children looked after by the council and policy to help family and friend carers.
If you are in care, we will support you in your education to help you do your best and be happy. Find out about designated teachers, personal education plans and Britannica school online encyclopaedia.