Early education places
All three and four year olds are entitled to free early education funding.
Where can my child have a free place?
Free places are available in:
- Pre-schools or playgroups
- Private day nurseries
- Private or independent nursery schools
- Nursery units in infant and primary schools
We refer to these as settings and they must be registered with the Council in order to offer a free place.
When can my child have a free place?
Your child is entitled to free early education at a nursery unit in a school from the September after their third birthday. You can apply for a place from the September after your child's second birthday. For an application form please call the School Admissions team on 0121 704 6693.
Your child can have a free place at any of the other settings listed above, according to the following dates
A child who is three between
- 1 April and 31 August can have a free place the following September
- 1 September and 31 December can have a free place the following January
- 1 January and 31 March can have a free place the following April
Your child will have a place for a maximum of six terms or until your child starts full time education (reception class in an infant or primary school).
What is my child entitled to?
Your child is entitled to early education up to 15 hours a week, 38 weeks of the year completely free of charge. The 15 hours a week will be offered in a range of ways. This could be;
- 3 hours per day, over 5 days
- 5 hours per day, over 3 days
- 6 hours per day, over 2 days and 3 hours over 1 day
Can the free hours be split between different settings?
The free hours can be split between two settings but you can only have the maximum number of hours per week in total. If your child is attending more than one setting please let both settings know so that your free place can be split accordingly.
Will I have to pay?
No. The first 15 hours for 38 weeks a year are completely free. If you would like your child to attend for longer you will need to ask the setting how much more you will have to pay. Some settings may charge for additional things like hot meals or music sessions. You do not have to take up or pay for these additional things in order to access your free place.
If your child is attending for more than 15 hours per week make sure you check with the nursery in advance what costs you will be expected to pay for additional hours so that you are clear on all fees you will be charged before your child's placement starts.
How can I find an early education place for my child?
You can contact Solihull Family Information Service for more information and a list of settings in your area that offer free places. You will then need to check that the setting you have chosen has a place available and what they can offer you.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Schools and early years providers have to follow a structure of learning, development and care for children from birth to five years old. This is called the Early Years Foundation Stage and it enables your child to learn through a range of activities.
Case study
Find out how free education has made a difference to local parent Cheri Brown's four year old son. Read more .....
Contact us
Request information by completing our online enquiry form
Email us on familyinfo@solihull.gov.uk
Call us on 0800 389 8667 (free from landlines) or 0121 248 7656
Useful links
Government website with information for parents on a range of topics
Online support and advice for parents