FAQs

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. 2 year old 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.

C. Extended entitlement

Three and four year olds of 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?

There is a uniform available to purchase for children (polo t.shirts and jumpers with our logo) and is encouraged to help children to feel part of the pre-school family,. However the purchase of uniform is completely optional and children are welcome to wear their own comfortable clothing (which parents do not mind getting dirty, paint on etc). Uniform can be ordered via the office.

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