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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

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 13 December 2024
  • Final adjustments for Autumn funding actuals
  • Initial submission for Spring funding estimates
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.
No later than 17 January 2025
  • Final adjustment for Spring funding estimates
  • Initial submission for Spring funding actuals
  • Application submission for SENIF
No later than 31 January 2025
  • Staff Module Updates (via the Portal)
  • Sufficiency Module Updates (via the Portal)
  • Census Data (via the Portal - more information to follow)
No later than 7 March 2025
  • Final submission for Spring funding actuals
No deadline
  • EHCP funding application
  • 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)

AUTUMN 2024 CLAIM PERIOD

Please refer to our EY Finance Newsletter for information about the claim period or click here for a brief overview.

SPRING 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