Minimum Fund EntitlementIn 1998, the government funded a free part time early education place for every four year old child. Since then, nursery education grants have been introduced to provide free part time early education places to all three year olds in Southwark as well.
What is an early years education place?
This is an early learning opportunity for children aged three and four, in a safe and stimulating environment for two and a half hour sessions, five times a week, 33 weeks per year.
A place for your child could be in one of Southwark's nurseries or early years centres, in a community or private nursery or pre-school playgroup. It could also be in a council maintained or independent primary school's reception class.
Who pays for my child's early years education place?
Parents or carers don't need claim forms, vouchers or certificates. Registered services claim the nursery education grant direct from the local education authority and reduce the normal fee if you are not already paying a subsidised rate.
If your child attends a maintained nursery school class and a fee paying place for the other part of the day, you will not be entitled to a second free place. You should sign a form to verify that your child has received their free sessions.
When is my child eligible?
The nursery education grant gives children access to free part-time nursery education in the term after they are three.
Further information
 Search the family information directory and Childcare Link for national and local childcare information.
Contact
Family information service
Freephone: 0800 013 0639
family.info@southwark.gov.uk
www.southwark.gov.uk/cypdirectory
15 Spa Road
London
SE16 3QW
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (and out of hours answerphone) |