About Early Learning and Childcare
All children aged 3-5 and some who are aged 2 are entitled to funded early learning and childcare. Your child can receive their funded hours in a council nursery or one of our funded providers: private nurseries, childminders and community groups. You can choose which of these providers will best meet your child's needs. All funded providers must meet the National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare as outlined in our funded provider agreement.
Blended placements
You can choose to take your funded hours with more than one provider. This is known as a blended placement.
If you would like to request a blended placement, please refer to our blended models and discuss this with your current funded provider. Please note that payments for funded hours can only be made once the blended placement has been agreed with the provider.
Eligible 2 year-olds
Depending on your circumstances, your child may be eligible for a space on or after they turn 2 years-old. This may be because you receive qualifiying benefits, because the child is looked after or with a kinship carer, or because you are care experienced. Spaces for eligible 2 year-olds will more commonly be offered through funded providers (private nurseries, playgroups and childminders) rather than in school settings. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for a space.