Early Years Funding

From September 2007 parents of children attending Bow, Durham School will be able to access free early years education. The Government funds local authorities to ensure a free part-time early education place is available for every three and four year old in registered settings that have been inspected by Ofsted and found satisfactory in terms of quality.

Three and four year old children are entitled to free early years education up to a maximum of 12.5 hours per week for up to 38 weeks of the year. Parents do not contribute towards this minimum entitlement but may be charged fees for any services or childcare additional to the free entitlement of 12.5 hours per week. Furthermore, any free entitlement must fall within the 38-week period laid down by the local authority.
(This entitlement is due to rise to 15 hours per week from 1st September 2008)

Eligibility dates

All children are entitled to up to two years of free education before they reach statutory school age (the term following their fifth birthday from 1 September, 1 January or 1 April). Depending on local arrangements for admission to school, many children start full-time education in school reception classes before reaching compulsory school age.

Children born between 1 April and 31 August (inclusive) will be eligible for a free place from 1 September following their 3rd birthday.

Children born between 1 September and 31 December (inclusive) will be eligible for a free place from 1 January following their 3rd birthday.

Children born between 1 January and 31 March (inclusive) will be eligible for a free place from 1 April following their 3rd birthday.

Parents considering applying to Bow, Durham School for free nursery provision for their child(ren) should bear in mind the following points:

• Parents of eligible children wanting to access their free entitlement of up to 12.5 hours per week (15 hours from 1st September 2008) to can do so without paying a fee.
• Parents will not be asked to pay the difference between Local Authority funding and the fees that might otherwise have been charged.
• Parents are not required to purchase additional provision or activities as a condition of accessing their free entitlement.
• Parents will not be expected to pay in advance for their free entitlement prior to the school receiving LA funding.

Parents availing themselves of the free nursery provision could therefore still expect to be charged for:

• Any nursery provision supplied in excess of 12.5 hours per week (15 hours from 1st September 2008) within the 38-week period set by the Local Authority
• Any nursery provision supplied outwith the 38-week period set by the Local Authority
• Any optional extras that are normally charged as being additional to the basic nursery provision (e.g. pre-school and after-school care)

Contacts

Those interested in applying for free nursery provision at Bow, Durham School can find out more by telephoning the Finance Office at Durham School (0191 386 4783).

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Testimonials

"Durham School offers a host of opportunities for all interests. Our son enjoys everything he has encountered – but especially music, where the dedication and the ability of the staff is remarkable. We can’t keep him away!"
Mr and Mrs Thorpe