The upcoming admissions round for children looking to start pre-school in 2025 is fast approaching.

Powys County Council has announced that parents or carers of children born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, will be able to apply for a place in an early year setting starting next year.

Applications for the pre-school admissions round must be completed and submitted by Sunday, March 31, 2024.

The Welsh Government funds the council to ensure that all children in Powys have access to free part-time early years education from the term following the child’s third birthday. Each qualifying child can receive up to 10 hours per week of funded early years education if they attend an approved, funded pre-school education setting.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for Learning in Powys, emphasized the importance of completing the application early to secure a spot at the preferred early years/pre-school setting. He stated, “I would encourage all parents and carers to complete this application as soon they can after the admissions round opens 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.”

Parents and carers can access the online application form by searching "Apply for Pre-School (3 and 4 yr olds) Early Years Education" on the Powys County