The term dates for this purpose are set by the Secretary of State and are:

• Autumn term: 1 September to 31 December
• Spring term: 1 January to 31 March
• Summer term: 1 April to 31 August

These term dates do not depend on moveable holidays such as Easter.

For the financial year 2011/2012, children will be eligible as follows:

Where can my child attend?

Your child can attend any private, voluntary or independent setting (playgroup, nursery, pre-school etc where you would normally have to pay fees) which is registered to receive Early Learning and Childcare Funding.

Alternatively, your child can be looked after by a childminder provided that the childminder is working in a National Childminding Association Approved Childminding Network and has been accredited and registered to receive Early Learning and Childcare Funding. You should ensure that the setting knows when your child is at the age when he/she is eligible.

The setting will be able to explain to you the funding scheme more fully. They will claim, on your behalf, the Early Learning and Childcare Funding towards your child's fees from the local authority.

How do I apply?

Your chosen setting will apply on your behalf and the funding will be paid directly to them. Your bill will then be credited accordingly.

What is the maximum entitlement of Early Learning and Childcare Funding?

For the financial year 2011/2012 the maximum funding entitlement is 15 hours per week for 38 weeks.

How are the 38 weeks allocated?

The financial year is split into three terms to match, as closely as possible, the school terms. The maximum number of weeks for which funding may be claimed each term in 2011/12 is:

• Summer term 2011: 12 weeks
• Autumn term 2011: 14 weeks
• Spring term 2012: 12 weeks

How are the 15 hours per week allocated?

A minimum of 2.5 hours and a maximum of 7.5 may be taken in any one day, with a maximum of 12.5 hours over two days and 15 hours over three or more days per week, in 0.5 hour blocks.

This is however dependent on what times your chosen setting is open and hours in which they offer Early Learning and Childcare. All settings must set times, covering a minimum of 15 hours per week, during which they offer completely free nursery education.

Will there be any other charges?

You should not be asked to contribute any payment towards your child's funded hours taken during your settings set hours for completely free nursery education, as this is wholly covered by the Early Learning and Childcare Funding provided by the local authority.

However your setting can charge for 'additional services' during your free funded hours, these include items like snacks, meals, drinks, trips, etc. The setting must make these services optional during their set free nursery education hours and advised you that you can 'opt out'.

Outside of your settings set times for completely free nursery education you may still use your Early Learning an Childcare funded hours however the setting can charge you in full as per their own 'Charging Policy' for 'additional' services and the charges for these services do not have to be optional.

How can I get more information about Early Learning and Childcare funding for both three and four year olds?

If you have any queries or would like to find out more, please ask your setting in the first instance or telephone the Dorset Family Information Service (FIS) or the Early Years and Childcare Funding Officer.

• Name: Family Information Service
  Email: familyinfo@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 221066
  Fax: 01305 228442
  Full details for Family Information Service
• Nursery Funding Administrator
  Name: Tracy Privett
  Email: t.a.privett@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 228431
  Fax: 01305 228442
  Full details for Tracy Privett