What is Early Years Funding? Does my child qualify?

There are three strands of early years funding for 2, 3 and 4 year old children:

 

A. Funded Twos Entitlement

Some two year olds are entitled to a maximum of 570 hours free early education per year. To find out if you are eligible, you will need the National Insurance Number, date of birth and surname of the person in receipt of the qualifying benefit. You can:

• Apply online cambridgeshire.gov.uk/free2s

• Apply by phone to Education Welfare Benefits Team on 01223 703200

• Check eligibility at a Children’s Centre

 

B. Universal Entitlement 

All three and four year olds are entitled to a maximum of 15 hours per week over 38 weeks (570 hours per year) of free early education the first full term after their 3rd birthday.

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C. Extended Working Parents' Eligibility

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Two year olds are now entitled to working families funding if parents meet the criteria - see Eligibility | Childcare Choices for information and to apply.

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Three and four year olds of eligible working parents may be able to access an additional 570 hours free early education per year if they meet certain criteria. For more information and to check eligibility, go to the website childcarechoices.gov.uk

If you are eligible, you will be directed to the HMRC webpage to apply and will be issued with an 11 digit eligibility code which you take to your early years provider.

 

Can my child use their funded hours at Little Thetford Acorns Pre-school and another provider?

Yes, you can split your child’s funded hours between registered childcare providers (nurseries, pre-schools, child minders), however children must attend Little Thetford Acorns for a minimum of 6 hours per week.

 

Do you offer Wrap-around Care? 

This is reviewed on a termly basis, depending on demand. 

For more information, please look on our wrap-around care page or contact us

 

The company I work for issues childcare vouchers, can I use those to pay for my fees?

Yes, we will accept childcare voucher payments. There are many issuers of childcare vouchers, if we are not registered with the company already, we will do so upon request.

 

Do you have a uniform?

We no longer have logo'd children's uniform available to purchase, as we felt the increased costs of our polo tops and jumpers were too high in the current economic climate. We encourage families to send their children in comfortable, old clothing, which parents/carers do not mind getting dirty with paint etc !

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For any other questions not covered here, please visit the Our Policies page or contact us