An admissions round for children to start pre-school in 2026 will open this weekend, Powys County Council has said.

On Saturday, 1 March, parents or carers of children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 will be able to apply for a place in an early year setting ready to start in 2026.

Applications must be completed and submitted by Tuesday, 31 March 2025.

The Welsh Government funds the council to ensure that all children in Powys have access to free part-time early years education from the beginning of the term following the child's third birthday.

Each qualifying child can receive a maximum of 10 hours per week of funded early years education if they attend an approved, funded pre-school education setting.

Children eligible for free part time education will only receive the funded place if they are attending an approved funded pre-school education setting.

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 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.