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

includes:
  • under 2's
  • 2- year-old
  • 3- and 4- year-old

Funding Agreement

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

SUMMER 2025 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