Early education - three to five years

The government has made funding available to provide a free part-time early education place for all three and four year old children in provision that is approved by the local authority.

What is early education?

Early education is about children building on their experiences, interests and natural curiosity to learn more about the world and develop their skills and knowledge in the company of others. Children are entitled to a wide and broad range of educational experiences and opportunities to learn, play and communicate and be supported by practitioners with the appropriate experience and qualifications to promote the well being of three and four year olds. 

Settings providing early education must make sure the provision is in line with the statutory national Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.