FUNDING FOR 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS
Funded Early Education for 3 and 4 Year Olds - information on accessing 15 and 30 hours

Funded flexible early education for 570 hours a year for all 3 and 4 year olds.

The details:
  • The 570 hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year (term time only). This means a maximum of 15 hours a week of funded flexible early education can be accessed throughout term time.
  • The 15 hours can be taken over a minimum of 2 days per week.
  • No session can be longer than 10 hours
  • No session can be shorter than 2.5 hours.
  • Sessions are restricted to between the hours of 7am and 7pm.
  • The funded hours can be split between a maximum of two childcare providers (for example a pre-school and a childminder).
This entitlement must be available over 38 weeks of the year. However, it can sometimes be stretched over a longer period by using less funded hours each week. This is an arrangement you will need to negotiate with your childcare provider.

Is it really free?
Yes. The hours are free to you. However, should you have meals or additional hours there could be a cost, please discuss this when you visit your chosen childcare provider.

When does this funding start?
Children will qualify for a funded early education place the term after their third birthday.
  • Children born between 1 April and 31 August can access entitlement from 1 September following their third birthday.
  • Children born between 1 September and 31 December can access entitlement from 1 January following their third birthday.
  • Children born between 1 January and 31 March can access entitlement from 1 April following their third birthday.
For more information visit supportincornwall.org.uk 

If you and your partner are both working a minimum of 16 hours per week (or 16 hours if you are single), then you may be eligible for 30 hours childcare (1140 hours per year).
Please go to https://www.childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/par/app/extendedentitlement for further information.
Find out more about 30 hours free childcare click below