Free nursery education is available for:

 

2 year old children whose parents meet a set benefits and earnings criteria

All 3 and 4 year old children

 

What is free early education (free entitlement)?

 

Free early education can be claimed by parents for all three and four year olds. It covers up to a maximum of 30 hours per week, accessed over a maximum of 38 weeks of the year; a total maximum entitlement of 1140 hours each year. Parents do not contribute towards this entitlement but may be charged by providers for additional services such as snacks, specific activities or extra childcare over the allocated 30 hours.