Free Early Education Entitlement
The Government provides early education funding so your child can attend our preschool for free. It allows us to claim up to 570 hours per year of funding for all 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds, from the term after they turn 3 years of age. Some parents may be eligible to claim the 30-hour-a-week funding, which is up to 1140 hours per annum for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds, and now free 15 hours funding is available for working parents of two year olds as well.
38-Week Free Fully Funded Admission Criteria
15 hours per week (570-hour offer) These places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and is available for a child 8 hours per day and up to a total of 15 hours per week. The funded hours are between 8.00 am and 4pm. Monday to Friday, up to 38 weeks of the year term time only. Minimum attendance 2 days.
30 hours per week (1140-hour offer) These places will be available for children of eligible parents. The funded hours are between 8.00 am and 4pm Monday to Friday, up to 38 weeks of the year, term time only.
This funding has no monetary value to you, the parents. Parents will only be billed for additional hours over your funded hours. We are required to ensure that children for whom we receive EEF attend regularly, and we have an obligation to inform the Early Years and Childcare Team if children do not attend. You will be required to complete an Early Education Funding Parental/Carer Declaration prior to your child starting an EEF-funded place. A copy of the 2-year-old offer funding confirmation letter will need to be shown to the preschool manager, or evidence of disability living allowance or proof of an adoption order, special guardianship and residence order. It is a requirement that the manager sees your child’s birth certificate and a utility bill showing the family address. Failure to provide these items or acceptable alternatives will result in the manager being unable to process your claim. We will need to be made aware if your child is claiming Early Education Funding in more than one setting. The 15 hours universal funded places are guaranteed until your child goes to school as the funding covers the care and education of the child, there are no additional charges at this setting.
Calendar Block
1 January – 31 March - children having their 3rd birthday between these dates can claim from the Summer funding block
1 April – 31 August - children having their 3rd birthday between these dates can claim from the Autumn funding block
1 September – 31 December - children having their 3rd birthday between these dates can claim from the Spring funding block
There are a number of other schemes available to help with childcare costs. To check your eligibility go to the Childcare Choices website.