Free pre-school education

Your child is entitled to up to 15 hours of free entitlement per week. This can be taken over a minimum of 2 days of not less than 2.5 hours per day or no more than 10 hours per day, between the hours of 7am and 7pm, for 38 weeks each year. Currently in Kent these 38 weeks are in line with our school term dates.

This funding starts the term following your child's third birthday.

When can my child start?

A child is eligible for the free entitlement in line with the DfE table below:

1 January to 31 March - Start of term beginning in April
1 April to 31 August - Start of term beginning in September
1 September to 31 December - Start of term beginning in January

Where can my child access his/her place?

Your child can access a place at any of the following:

Private day nursery
Pre-school playgroup
Independent school
Nursery school or nursery class in an infant or primary school including special schools
Childminder who is part of an accredited network

However, providers must be registered with both OfSTED and Kent County Council to offer the service so please check directly with the provider or call the Kent Children and Families Information Service on 08000 32 32 30 to find out.

How do I claim the Free Early Education funding or access my child’s free place?

Approach the provider of your choice to request a place after you have checked that they are registered with Kent County Council. When you have secured a place, Kent County Council will fund the provider directly.