Free Places for Children
All 3 and 4 year olds in Staffordshire are entitled to FREE child places.
Free child places are available for every 3 and 4 year old in Staffordshire, to help give them the best start in life and to prepare them for their school years in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 12.5 hours of free child places for 33-38 weeks, or throughout the year (dependent on individual providers)
Some childcare providers are taking part in a pilot scheme, and can offer 15 hours of free places each week.
By 2010 the entitlement will rise to 15 hours a week for all 3 and 4 year olds, and with better flexibility on how it can be taken.
When will my child be eligible?
Your child is eligible from the term after their 3rd birthday:
| Children born between: |
Free places start from: |
| 1st January - 31st March |
Summer term |
| 1st April - 31st August |
Autumn term |
| 1st September - 31st December |
Spring term |
How do I claim my free places?
No money or vouchers are passed to you. The funding is paid directly to the childcare provider, who applies for funding for your child. The free places are then automatically deducted from your childcare bill.
Remember: you do not have to attend for additional childcare, you can simply attend for the free places if you choose.
Your child can attend any childcare provider that is registered to provide free places, as long as they have places available. Providers may include:
- Accredited Childminders that are part of a network
- Day Nurseries (Private, voluntary or governor run)
- Pre-schools and Playgroups
- Maintained Nursery schools and classes
- Children Centres
- Creches
To find out how and where you can access free places for your child, please contact Staffordshire Family Information Service on 0845 650 9876. Terms and conditions apply.
For further information on free places, please contact Staffordshire Family Information Service.
Contact us:
0845 650 9876
fis@staffordshire.gov.uk
Staffordshire Family Information Service
Staffordshire County Council
Tipping Street
Stafford
ST16 2DH
Last Modified:
24/07/2009 11:44:41
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