Early education - 10 hours funded education

Your child may be eligible to receive 10 hours funded education a week, during term time, from the term after their third birthday. They must attend a playgroup or Day Nursery that is registered with our Early Education programme, Care Inspectorate for Wales (CIW) and Estyn.

Who is eligible?

The following are eligible for 10 hours funded education:

• Children who have their 3rd birthday between 1 September 2026 and 31 December 2026 are eligible for funding from January 2027 to July 2027.
• Children who have their 3rd birthday between 1 January 2027 and 31 March 2027 are eligible for funding from April 2027 to July 2027.

Children who have their 3rd birthday between 1 April 2027 and 31 August 2027 are not eligible for funding through this scheme as they will be eligible for a School Nursery place from September 2027.

How does it work?

If eligible, funding would be paid directly to the playgroup or day nursery for the term after your child's third birthday until the end of that academic year. Funding will be provided exclusively during term time and will not be available during school holidays. Funding cannot be provided for the following academic year.

Some benefits of Early Education

• Growing in confidence
• Making new friends
• Having lots of fun in different environments
• Developing independence
• Learning to speak Welsh
• Developing creativity and imagination
• Investigating and problem solving

How to apply

Can the funding be used for full days at my chosen setting?

No, the funding provides 5 sessions per week, one per day, of 2 hours duration each, similar to a school nursery.

Or, in some circumstances, 4 sessions per week, one per day, of two and a half hours duration.

Can funding be split between settings? 

No, your child will only be allocated funding in one setting.

Does my child have to attend every day?

No, but every setting must offer sessions from Monday to Friday and attending daily supports good transition to school.

If eligible, am I guaranteed a school nursery place?

No, you will need to apply for a school nursery place. Find out when and how to apply for a school nursery place.

Denbighshire Early Years and Family Link Facebook group

If you have a Facebook account, you can join the Denbighshire Early Years and Family Link facebook group for educational ideas and advice for preschool children.

View the Denbighshire Early Years and Family Link facebook group (external website)

More information

The 10 hours of funded education through the Early Education team forms part of the 30 hours Childcare Offer. To find out if you are eligible for additional childcare hours, please check and apply on the Welsh Government website (external website).