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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 - Autumn 2024

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)

From 3 June 2024
  • Submit Early Education ACTUALS for new children commencing their funded place from September 2024

No later than 12 July 2024
  • Submit Early Education ESTIMATES

From 1 September 2024 (and No later than  4 October 2024)
  • Amend Early Education ESTIMATES
  • Submit Early Education ACTUALS
  • Submit SEND applications
  • Submit Sufficiency data

No later than 13 December 2024
  • Amend Early Education ACTUALS
  • Check child records have not been omitted from claim and non-funded hours have been billed

No later than 31 December 2024
Remind families to re-confirm or obtain a valid HMRC code by 31 December 2024 if they plan to claim the Working Parent Entitlement from 1 January 2025.

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

NEO for families

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

NEO for families