Early Years Entitlement

The Early Years Entitlement is funding provided by the government for all 3 year old to statutory school-aged children to attend a registered Early Years setting. Early years funding is also available for the families of eligible two year olds. From September 2010 you have been entitled to free childcare of up to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks per year. Children are entitled to receive the Early Years Entitlement from the term after their third, or in some cases second birthday, until statutory school age. You may also be eligible for the 30 hours extended funding for working families, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for more information.

A child born between:

• 1st Apr - 31st Aug will be eligible from the start of Autumn term

• 1st Sep - 31st Dec will be eligible from the start of Spring term

• 1st Jan - 31st Mar will be eligible from the start of  Summer term

The terms run September-December (Autumn), January-March (Spring) and April-August (Summer). Children who are three after the 31st March will usually start Pre-School in the following September.

The entitlement is claimed by and paid directly to childcare providers and can be split between a maximum of two providers. Each will need to be Ofsted or DCSF registered or accredited if they are a childminder. The entitlement hours can be split between the two providers as you choose.

More information on the Early Years Entitlement can be found on the Bath and North East Somerset website.