Children aged three and four who live in the North Carr area, or who go to a
children's centre anywhere in the city, are now entitled to 15 hours a week
of free early education.

The pilot, which has been introduced by Hull City Council from September,
will increase the hours of free early education available from 12.5 to 15
per week. There are plans to roll the increase out across the city by
September 2010.

Councillor Christine Randall, portfolio holder for education and children's
services, said:

"Early education gives children the best possible start in life and we are
dedicated to improving the life chances for all children in the city.
Through learning and playing with other children in a safe and structured
environment, they should have a head start when they begin school."

Early education can be accessed from a range of childcare providers across
the city, including:

*           Nursery schools and classes
*           Day nurseries
*           Children's centres
*           Pre-schools and playgroups
*           Certain childminders

To ensure that children receive good quality early education all providers
must help children progress towards the 'early learning goals' set out in
the Early Years Foundation Stage, and be inspected regularly by Ofsted.
This means that all children will get a good quality early years education,
regardless of which type of setting they attend.

All providers of early education are also committed to the Special
Educational Needs Code of Practice. All staff are trained to identify any
additional needs a child may have and ensure those needs are met.

If you have any questions regarding early education please contact the
Family Information Service on 318318 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .