Your local authority provides free early years places for all 3 and 4 year old children within Redcar & Cleveland. All eligible 3 and 4 year olds will be entitled to 15 hours of free early provision per week for 38 weeks per year (570 hours per year).
Your child can have their free place at a range of early years settings. These are school nursery classes, day nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups and some childminders.
Children born in the period 1st April to 31st August will become eligible for a free place 1st September following child's 3rd birthday (Autumn school term).
Children born in the period 1st September to 31st December will become eligible for a free place 1st January following child's 3rd birthday (spring school term).
Children born in the period 1st January to 31st March will become eligible for a free place 1st April following child's 3rd birthday (summer school term).
Redcar & Cleveland local authority is able to offer parents and carers their free entitlement in three different ways, option 1 3 hours a day for 5 days a week, option 2 5 hours a day for 3 days a week, option 3 15 hours flexibly over a minimum of 3 days a week. Options 2 and 3 may only be available in a private or voluntary early years setting (day nursery, pre-school or playgroup). The local authority will support parents/carers to access the free place for their child and offer advice and guidance on flexibility.
To apply for a free place:-
For School Nursery class contact your chosen school directly to enquire if a place is available and when your child can start. Some school nursery classes may be able to offer a free place earlier, soon after a child's third birthday. The free place will continue until your child starts full time school (Reception class). Parents of children who are admitted to school nursery classes must still apply for a place at the school if they want their child to transfer to the Reception class. Attendance at a school nursery class does not guarantee admission to the school.
For Day Nursery, Pre-School or Playgroup if your child is already attending a local authority approved private day nursery, pre-school or playgroup, ask the manager for a Free Entitlement application form.
If you need any further help or advice, please contact Families Information Service at FIS@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk