The benefits of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC)
Enrolment week for Session 2026/27 is 17 to 21 November 2025
Please note the application form is currently offline for updating. The form will be available again from 9am on Monday 17 November.
Before completing the online enrolment form, please contact the provider(s) where you would like your child to attend to ensure that space is available.
The benefits of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC)
Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) is what used to be known as pre-school or ante pre-school. It's about the children learning and developing through play, exploring and having fun.
Your child will be encouraged to develop their learning journey with others and on their own, choosing from a wide range of experiences and activities.
Evidence shows that high quality ELC makes a significant positive impact on outcomes for children such as:
- improving language and social skills
- encouraging your child to learn through play with other children
- enhancing their learning journey with benefits that they take forward into school
- there's a wide range of experiences to excite and delight them
- playing with other children encourages your child to be physically active
- your child can take the lead in their own learning and go at their own pace
All staff are trained to create opportunities for play and learning to help your child’s all round development.
The Parent Club website has more information on the benefits of ELC.