Powys County Council has reminded parents and carers of children due to start pre-school in 2024 to submit their applications before the deadline of March 31, 2023.

The applications are for children born between September 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021, for a place in an early year setting in 2024.

The council, which is funded by the Welsh Government, ensures that all children in Powys have access to free part-time early years education from the term following the child's third birthday. Children can receive a maximum of 10 hours per week of funded early years education if they attend an approved, funded pre-school education setting.

However, children eligible for free part-time education will only receive the funded place if they attend an approved funded pre-school education setting. To ensure their child's place at their preferred pre-school setting, parents and carers must complete an online application form found at Apply for Pre-School (3 and 4-year-olds) Early Years Education.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said:

"I would encourage all parents and carers to complete this application as soon they can to ensure that their child has the best opportunity of a place at their preferred early years / pre-school setting next year.

"If it is not completed in time, this may put at risk their child's place at their preferred setting if it is a very popular one."

If parents or carers have any queries or difficulties in completing or submitting the application, they can contact the Admissions Team on 01597 826449 or email [email protected].