Children start their educational journey in the term following their third birthday. They will follow the Curriculum for Wales.
This is an important phase in children’s lives before they enter statutory education. It enables them to learn through indoor and outdoor play and lays the building blocks for their future learning and physical and emotional development.
A funded place is available for 3 year olds in a registered pre-school setting (Cylch Meithrin, Playgroup, Day Nursery) or in a Nursery class at a Primary school from the term following their 3rd birthday.
The funding is not for childcare and is allocated directly to the setting. The funding may not cover the full cost of the session within a childcare setting and you may be charged a fee towards the total cost.
Below is a revised guide for parents and carers for when 3 and 4 year old children start this stage in their educational journey.
Curriculum for Wales - nursery education for 3 and 4 year olds: A revised guide for parents and carers (Welsh Government) (PDF)
Applications for the Early Years Education grant must be made to Conwy County Council via the form below. This is a separate application to the Childcare Offer for Wales which must be applied for through the Welsh Government digital system Childcare Offer for Wales | Help With Childcare Costs Wales | GOV.WALES
When does your child become eligible?
| If your child was born between: | You will be eligible for funded part time education for: |
|---|
| September 1st to December 31st |
The Spring and Summer Term after their third birthday through a choice of approved settings |
| January 1st to March 31st |
The Summer Term after their third birthday through a choice of approved settings |
| April 1st and August 31st |
The Autumn term after their third birthday - provision is made through Conwy County Borough Council’s schools, you will need to apply for their school place here –
Apply for Nursery, Reception and Junior (Year 3) places for September 2025-2026 - Conwy County Borough Council
This does not include independent schools, please contact independent schools separately for further information |
How many hours can your child attend?
Each child who qualifies can receive up to ten hours a week of Early Years Education.
This is usually:
- 5 sessions a week, 1 per day, of 2 hours duration OR 4 sessions a week, 1 per day, of 2½ hours duration.
Settings however may vary in their opening hours. Please discuss this with your childcare setting.
Which settings are part of the scheme?
Only childcare settings which are members of the scheme are eligible for funding. The list of settings can be found on the online application form. Please ensure you have pre-booked a space for your child before applying for this grant.
How do I apply for my child’s place?
IMPORTANT: EARLY EDUCATION GRANT CAN ONLY BE ALLOCATED TO ONE SETTING.
Applications close on 22nd November
If you need any information please contact Conwy Family Information Service on 01492 577850 or by email at plant.children@conwy.gov.uk
Click here to see our privacy notice:
Conwy County Borough Council Full Privacy Notice - Conwy County Borough Council
Have you checked to see whether you are eligible for the Childcare Offer for Wales as well?www.conwy.gov.uk/childcareoffer
What happens if my child attends more than one setting?
- We can only fund ONE setting, and it is the parent’s decision as to which setting should be allocated the funding.
- Only apply at the setting you would like your child to receive their funded place.