Free early years entitlement

Guide for parents (PDF 2MB)

All children are entitled to at least 15 hours a week (for up to 38 weeks a year) of FREE early years provision from the school term after they turn 3.

To help parents balance work and family responsibility you can choose to use the 15 hours flexibly throughout the week, as long as your chosen early years provider is able to offer this.  For example, a session could be anything from 2 and a half hours a day as long as you do not exceed 15 hours a week.  Sessions can include a break or lunch, as long as this time is planned to support your child's learning and development.

Cumbria County Council provides free early years education to some two year olds.  The funding is limited and therefore a qualifying criteria is required and a referral submitted.

Eligible children will be entitled to 15 hours per week – term time (although this can be stretched over more weeks if agreed with the family and childcare provider.