Government Funding Early Years
The Government provides funding for early years childcare to help working parents cover the costs of childcare. This funding, known as the Funded Early Education Entitlement (FEEE), can provide up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year for eligible children. The amount of funding and eligibility criteria vary depending on the child’s age and parental circumstances.
Funded Places:
We offer Early Education Entitlement for ALL 3-4 year old children (15 hour Universal funding) the term after their third birthday.
We offer the Extended funding for 3-4 year old children (30 hour funding) the term after their third birthday (the extended funding is eligibility based)
We offer Early Education Entitlement for 2 year old children term after their second birthday. (2 year old funding is eligibility based)
We advise children to attend for a minimum of 2 sessions taken over two days per week. All Invoices are requested termly and are due to be paid.
Key aspects of early years funding:
Eligibility:
Generally, parents need to meet certain working criteria and income thresholds to be eligible for the funding.
Child’s age:
The funding is available for children aged 9 months to 4 years old.
Funding amount:
Up to 30 hours per week of free childcare for children aged 9 months – 4-year-olds from September 2025.
Availability:
Funding is typically available for 38 weeks of the year, coinciding with school terms.
How to apply:
Parents can apply for the funding through the Government’s Childcare Choices website and will receive a unique code to use with their chosen childcare provider.
Where to use the funding:
The funding can be used at registered preschools, nurseries, and childminders.
Important considerations:
Income thresholds:
While the specific income thresholds can change, they generally require a minimum income for working parents to be eligible, according to government guidance.
Application process:
Parents need to apply for the funding code before their child’s first funded term.
Renewing the code:
Parents need to reapply for the funding every three months to maintain their eligibility.
Additional costs:
While the government covers the funded hours, parents may still need to cover costs for consumables, meals, and optional activities, according to Essex County Council.
Funding for specific needs:
Some local authorities offer additional funding for children with special educational needs (SEN).
Support for parents:
Family Information Services and local councils can provide support to parents navigating the funding process.
In line with the DfE statutory guidance Early education and childcare (April 2025), we publish details of how funded early education is delivered at Little Learners, alongside information about additional services and resources available to families. Funded hours are provided free at the point of delivery, and access to a child’s funded entitlement is not conditional on the purchase of any additional services.
Funded Early Education Offer – Information for Parents
How We Offer Funded Hours (Free at Point of Delivery) Funding options available:
Term-time only:
- Up to 15 or 30 hours per week
- 38 weeks per year
Daily Pattern of Funded Hours:
- Minimum session length: 3 hours
- Maximum funded hours per day: 8 hours
- Cost of funded hours: £0.00
Additional Private Paid Hours:
Hours taken outside of a child’s funded entitlement are charged at the following hourly rates:
- 2-year-olds: £10.00 per hour
- 3–4-year-olds: £9.00 per hour
Additional Services and Resources:
Total cost for additional services and resources: £1.40 per funded hour.
This includes:
Food and Snacks – £0.70 per funded hour
Provision of daily refreshments and food experiences, including:
- Healthy morning and afternoon snacks
- Cooking and baking activities (ingredients provided)
- Special dietary alternatives where required
Non-Food Consumables – £0.30 per funded hour
Everyday care and hygiene items used within the setting, including:
- Sun cream
- Wet wipes
- Facial tissues
- Nappy sacks
- First aid and personal care supplies
- Cleaning and sanitising of toys, equipment and learning resources
Activities, Experiences and Enrichment – £0.40 per funded hour
Enhanced learning opportunities and experiences, including:
- Forest School sessions and outdoor learning resources
- Sports coach sessions
- Cooking activities and food education
- School transition sessions delivered by a qualified teacher
- Arts and crafts materials
- Gardening and nature-based activities
- Celebrations and themed learning events
Important Information for Parents:
- Funded early education hours are always free
- Families may choose whether or not to access additional services
- Access to funded hours is not affected by this choice
- All invoices and receipts are fully itemised
- Charges are transparent and reviewed regularly