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Childcare & Early Education
Free early learning and care places
Children's Information Service - July 2008
CFIS@kirklees.gov.uk
What is free early learning and care?
All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to 15 hours of free early learning and care each week for 38
weeks a year with a registered early years setting. Places are available in different types of settings; for example
pre-schools, private day nurseries and schools.
When is my child entitled to a free early learning and care place?
Your child may access a place in the term after their 3rd birthday.
Entitlement dates for free child places in early education
| If your child's 3rd birthday falls between: |
He or she will become entitled to a free place from: |
| 1st January and 31st March |
1st April (or the start of the summer term) |
| 1st April and 31st August |
1st September (or the start of the autumn term) |
| 1st September and 31st December |
1st January (or the start of the spring term) |
When can I use my entitlement?
You can use your free entitlement between the hours of 8am and 6pm, although this will not be possible in every
case as some settings are open for fewer hours.
How can I use my entitlement?
If you want to use the full 15 hours this can be spread over a minimum of 3 days or a maximum of 5 days. The
minimum you can use in one day is 2 hours and the maximum is 10 hours.
What if I need more than 15 hours each week?
You can have more than 15 hours each week but the setting will charge for the extra hours used.
Where can my child receive early learning and care?
Free places are available at registered early years settings; this includes settings in the private, voluntary
and independent sectors as well as the local authority.
Private, voluntary and independent settings include:
- private day nurseries
- playgroups and pre-schools
- independent schools
- accredited childminders working
- within an approved network
Local authority (LA) settings include:
- schools with nursery classes
- nursery schools
- day nurseries
- day care in children's centres
To find out if your current setting is able to offer this increased entitlement and to discuss your
requirements please speak to your current provider or contact the Children & Families Information Service.
Can I use my child's entitlement at more than one setting?
Yes, you can use your child's entitlement at a maximum of 2 settings that are working in partnership.
Will all early years settings in Kirklees be able to offer this?
Not all settings will be able to offer this immediately. Families should either contact their preferred
setting directly, or call the Children & Families Information Service.
How can I find out which settings can offer this?
The Children & Families Information Service can send you a list of private, voluntary and independent
settings for your area.
A list of schools with nursery classes in your area is in the  Guide for Parents (PDF 2.1Mb), which lists all schools and explains the admission process.
Where can I find a printable version of the information on this page?
Contact details
For further information please contact the Children & Families Information Service on:
Email: CFIS@kirklees.gov.uk
Telephone: 01484 223041
Kirklees Children & Young People Service is committed to ensuring its communication is clear, plain and
available to everyone. This information can be made available in languages other than English, in large print,
audio CD, audio tape and Braille.
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