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Early Education and Childcare Funded Entitlements

Early Education and Childcare Funded Entitlements 

The Family Information Service provides free, impartial information and advice on childcare as well as general information on a wide range of services for children, young people (birth to 25 years old) and parents and families. Please refer to the childcare section to find childcare providers in Tower Hamlets.

2-Year-Olds Entitlement for Families Receiving Additional Support (FRAS)

Up to a maximum of 570 hours of funded early education per year for the 40% most disadvantaged 2-year-olds in the country, from the school term after they turn 2 years old. If accessed over the 38 weeks of the school year this equates to 15 hours per week. 

It is possible for parents and providers to stretch the offer across a full year (up to 52 Weeks) in which case the child would access fewer funded hours per week but would continue to receive these during school holiday periods. 

To check eligibility criteria visit Early Education and Childcare Funded Entitlements 

You can apply using the online application form or the Parent Portal.
If you need help completing the application, please contact your local Children and Family Centre.

 

Universal Entitlement for 3 & 4 Year Olds 

Up to a maximum of 570 hours of funded early education per year for all 3- & 4-year-olds, from the school term after they turn 3 years old. If taken over the 38 weeks of the school year this equates to 15 hours per week. 

However, it is possible for parents and providers to stretch the offer across a full year (up to 52 weeks) in which case the child would access fewer funded hours per week but would continue to receive these during school holiday periods. 

Working Family Entitlement (Extended/Expanded Childcare) 

Extended Entitlement for 3- & 4-year-olds of Working Parents
This entitlement offers up to 570 additional hours of funded childcare per year for 3- & 4-year-olds of eligible working parents. If accessed over 38 weeks of the school year, this entitlement combined with the Universal Entitlement provides 30 hours of funded childcare for working parents per week (totalling 1,140 hours per year).  

It is possible for parents and providers to stretch the offer across a full calendar year (up to 52 weeks) in which case the child would access fewer funded hours per week but would continue to receive these during school holiday periods. 

Expanded Entitlement for 2-year-olds and under 2-year-olds of Working Parents
This entitlement offers up to a maximum of 1,140 hours of funded childcare per year for children from the age of 9 months to 2 years of eligible working parents. If accessed over 38 weeks of the school year, this entitlement provides 30 hours of funded childcare for working parents per week. 

It is possible for a 2-year-old to be eligible for both the Working Parent entitlement and the FRAS entitlement, in which case your child would still receive a maximum total of 30 hours per week for 38 weeks in a school year.

Am i Eligible for the Early Education and Childcare Funded Entitlements? 

The Best Start in Life website provides detailed information on who is eligible for early education and childcare funded entitlements and how to apply for a Working Parent Eligibility Code.

If you do not have access to a computer, you can call the HMRC Customer Interaction Centre to find out if you qualify for funding or to clear up any queries. Tel: 0300 123 4097

Disability Access Fund

The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is the new funding system for Early Years’ providers to help children with disabilities or special educational needs. The funding helps with access to Free Entitlement places for Early Years, by supporting providers in making reasonable adjustments to their settings.

EEC Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF)

The Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF) provides additional support for early years children with emerging or identified SEND who are accessing any government funded Early Years Entitlement. For children aged 9 months to 4 years. 

Funding can be used in a variety of ways which may include purchasing equipment, making adaptations, accessing training and enhancing staffing (it is not for one-to-one support). SENIF is reviewed termly and may continue for up to three terms depending on the child’s progress and level of need. 

Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are not eligible for SENIF.