Norfolk County Council Logo
Early education funding

Need help?

Call the Early Years Finance team on 01603 222300 option 2

IMPORTANT

We are aware that some families are experiencing issues or confusion about which system to use to obtain a working parent entitlement code. We recommend that you share the following links with them.

To open a HMRC account Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)


We have been advised that if families already have an account for Tax Free Childcare and want to apply for a working parent entitlement code, that they should wait until they are required to re-confirm their details. We understand that HMRC will send them a reminder when to do this.

If you are experiencing any issues with a HMRC code, please message asap the Finance Team with the code, NI number and child's date of birth.
Please read the Early Education Entitlement Toolkit - Terminology Section below.

Are families READY, STEADY or GO for funded childcare

Download our READY, STEADY or GO guide for families to check eligibility for a funded childcare place and what they need to do.

MPORTANT DATES

As soon as possible
  • Validate HMRC codes using the Eligibility Checker for the Working Parent Entitlement
  • Contact the Finance Team where issues have occurred relating to a HMRC code (email code, NI number and child's DOB)

No later than 16 May 2025 (recommended submission by 9 May 2025)
  • Final submission for Summer Estimate
  • Initial submission for Summer funding actuals
  • Application submission for SEN funding

No later than 27 June 2025
  • Application submission for SEN Funding (new starters and additional children)
No later than 15 August 2025
  • Final submission for Summer funding actuals
No later than 31 August 2025
Remind families to re-confirm or obtain a valid HMRC code by 31 August 2025 if they plan to claim the Working Parent Entitlement from 1 September 2025
No deadline
  • Disability Access Fund (DAF) application (DLA Award Letter & Part 2 & 3 of claim form)

EARLY EDUCATION ENTITLEMENT TOOLKIT

The toolkit is currently being updated.

More sections will following and will include -

  • Legal Framework
  • How to claim
  • Charges
  • Invoicing
  • Payments
  • Complaints
  • Ofsted
  • Training

Terminology

Entitlement: 2-year-old

Entitlement: 3- and 4- year old universal

Entitlement: Working Parent

Funding Agreement

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

SUMMER 2025 CLAIM PERIOD

AUTUMN 2025 CLAIM PERIOD

SPRING 2026 CLAIM PERIOD

NEO for families

Support your families to create a NEO account to complete eligibility checks

NEO for families

Resource Home Page

NEO for professionals