What you are entitled to

All three and four year olds are entitled to 12.5 hours of free early education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). The early education can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at their childminders.

Eligibility dates

All children are entitled to up to 2 years of free early education before reaching statutory school age; the first term following their fifth birthday from 1 September, 1 January or 1 April following their 3rd birthday. Depending on local arrangements for admissions to schools, many children start full-time education in school Reception classes before reaching compulsory school age.

Children born between 1 April and 31 August (inclusive) will be eligible to a free place from 1 September following their third birthday.

Children born between 1 September and 31 December (inclusive) will be eligible to a free place 1 January following their third birthday.

Children born between 1 January and 31 March (inclusive) will be eligible to a free place 1 April following their third birthday.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Preschooldevelopmentandlearning/NurseriesPlaygroupsReceptionClasses/DG_10016103