All 3 and 4-year-olds, living in England, are entitled to 570 hours funded early education (up to 15 hours per week), over three claim periods each year. This is known as the Universal Offer.
Working and foster parents of 3 and 4-year-olds may be entitled to 1140 hours funded early education (up to 30 hours per week), if certain criteria is met. This is known as the Extended Offer.
Government funding for early education is intended to cover the cost to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of funded, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services.
Your childcare provider will charge for any hours not funded.
Meals, snacks and consumables may also incur a cost. Although these charges must be voluntary, parent/carers should expect to pay for these or agree to supply their own.
All providers offering early education in Norfolk have signed a funding agreement which means they agree to meet the terms of national guidelines. How your chosen childcare provider offers early education and the pattern of attendance may restrict the number of hours that can be claimed in total.
Visit the Childcare Choices webpage to find out more about help to pay for your childcare or complete the basic steps to check your eligibility to claim.