When will my child be eligible for free early years education?

Free part-time early years education starts the term after your child’s second birthday (if the eligibility criteria is met - see 2 Year Old Offer ), or for all children after their third birthday. Children become entitled on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September.

For example, if your child is born on 1 April 2009, their third birthday will fall on 1 April 2012 and they will become entitled for free part-time early years education from the beginning of the autumn term in September 2012. (Where the Easter holiday falls has no bearing regarding eligibility).

The chart of eligibility attached shows how children are eligible for free early years education in the 'funded terms' during each acadmic year until they reach statutory school age.

When will the free early years education finish?

Free early years education finishes the term after your child's fifth birthday. However if your child starts school before this time (even if it is on a part time basis), then the free early years education will stop at the preschool setting as the child is receiving education at school which is free.

For further information regarding the transition from preschool to school see 'Starting School In Hampshire'  2mb.