Free education places
Some registered childminders are able to offer up to
15 hours of free early education for your 3- or 4- year-old
each week for 38 weeks per year until they reach compulsory school
age.
This is known as the "free entitlement" and is available to all
3- and 4-year-olds in England.
Registered childminders who are on an approved childminding network
and who have been accredited to deliver early education are able to
provide these free places.
Early education in a home-based setting can be ideal for many
children and families. Your child is able to continue in a setting
they are familiar with and your overall childcare bill may be
reduced.
You can opt to take advantage of the free entitlement with
two providers if this is more convenient for you. This means that
you could split the 15 hours' entitlement per week between a local
authority nursery and a registered childminder on an
approved childminding network.
Contact your local
Families Information Service to find an accredited childminder
in your area.