Free early education

Free early education is an opportunity for your child to join in play based activities in a quality environment to support their developmental learning journey and prepare them for school.

Free early education is offered by a range of providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors as well as childminders.

Early years providers offer various models of flexibility when delivering free early education. You will need to check directly with your preferred provider if they can offer the attendance pattern that you require for your child.

Benefits for your child from attending free early education

Your child will have the chance to play and learn in an environment that will help to extend their skills and experiences, develop their confidence and build on what they already know.

Research clearly demonstrates that good quality early education benefits children in the long term in respect of enhancing their all-round development and helps them to prepare for school.