Happy Jays

This is a question that we are asked so much that we have devised the following factsheet:

Parents Guide to Early Education Funding

The term after your child's third birthday, he/she will become eligible for early education funding. In layman's terms this means that the local authority will make some nursery provision for your child free of charge.

How is the Funding paid?
The funding is paid directly to nursery in line with school terms. There are three terms a year, spring which is January to March; summer which is April to July; and autumn, which is September to December. Each term is between twelve and fourteen weeks in length and confirmation of your local authority's agreed term dates can be provided on request.

How much funding am I entitled to?
This depends on how many hours your child attends. You may claim for a maximum of 15 hours over a minimum of three days a week or a pro-rata amount if your child attends less than three days. Your nursery manager will be able to confirm arrangements within your local authority.
We offer the free entitlement in a variety of ways. You may already have your child registered to attend in excess of 15 hours a week in which case we would simply reduce your monthly invoice by the monetary value of the funding. In this case we would divide the funding over the months in that particular term and then deduct the funding from your usual monthly invoice. We include August in the summer term so that you do not go a whole month with no funding.
Or you many choose to access only the funded hours. Please be aware that if you choose this option then additional sessions you require outside of school term times will be charged at our normal day or half day rate.

What do I have to do?
You will be given a 'Parental Declaration Form' to complete and may be required to provide us with proof of your child's date of birth. That's all!

What if I'm using another nursery/pre-school?
Your sessions can be split between a maximum of two different settings. You will need to tell us about this on your 'Parental Declaration Form'. If your child attends a second nursery or pre-school, you can choose to have your funding paid through one of both settings. You'll need to let both settings know what your intention is.

Hopefully this has been helpful. Please speak to your nursery manager if you have any further queries.