3- 4 Year Olds 30 hours funding information for providers
What is the difference between Universal and Extended hours?
All children are entitled to 15 hours of ‘Universal’ free early education. It starts the term after their third birthday and continues until they enter Reception. The ‘Extended’ entitlement applies to children of the same age, but only if their parents are working and meet the eligibility criteria.
It’s crucial to determine whether a child is attending for Universal or Extended hours if they’re only using 15 hours at your setting. This is so that you can record their attendance correctly in the appropriate columns on Headcount.
Who is able to claim 30 hours free childcare?
A child can get 30 hours of free childcare from the term after their third birthday, as long as their parent has supplied a valid eligibility code. This code must be verified through the Provider Portal and show the correct eligibility start and end dates. For details see When can a child start their place?
Who is unable to claim 30 hours free childcare?
Children attending a Reception class are not eligible for the 30 hours free childcare offer. However, 4-year-olds whose parents have officially deferred their school start can still access the entitlement.
Once a child reaches statutory school age – the term after their 5th birthday – they are no longer eligible for the 30 hours free childcare.
When can a child start their place?
A child can begin their 30-hour place anytime from the start of term up to the census/headcount date, as long as they meet all eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria include the correct date of birth, and valid eligibility start and end dates.
Children in a ‘grace period’ at the start of term cannot begin with, or transfer to, a new provider.
Parents must apply for each term by the following deadlines:
- Spring Term – 31st December
- Summer Term – 31st March
- Autumn Term – 31st August
Important: All codes must be validated through the Provider Portal before a child begins their place.
How do I check if an eligibility code is valid?
Designated staff in your setting will get login details for the Provider Portal.
To verify eligibility, go on the provider portal and select funding and eligibility check.
For step-by-step instructions, see Provider portal guidance.
How does the eligibility end date differ from the grace period end date?
The ‘validity end date’ is the deadline by which parents must reconfirm their eligibility. Eligibility is reviewed every three months. Parents need to reconfirm on a regular basis.
If a parent no longer meets the eligibility criteria, the grace period allows their child to keep their childcare place for a limited time before funding ends.
When is the grace period used?
The grace period applies when a child is already attending a 30-hour placement and the parent becomes ineligible. It gives the parent a short window to regain eligibility, during which the child can continue to attend. However, if the parent loses eligibility before the child starts their 30-hour placement, the grace period does not apply and the child should not begin their place.
What if a parent misses the reconfirmation deadline?
Parents should always be encouraged to reconfirm their eligibility by the end date. However, if they are unable to do so, they can still reconfirm up until the grace period end date. This may affect the new eligibility dates issued, and they may need to reconfirm quickly again.
What if parents are no longer eligible for the 30 hours funding?
If a parent’s circumstances change and they become ineligible, their 30-hour placement will end at the conclusion of their grace period. Even if the child is no longer eligible for the extended hours, they will still be entitled to the universal 15 hours.
What to do if parents are having issues with eligibility code and the application?
Unfortunately, many of the problems parents face are related to the Childcare Choices website. The website is managed by HMRC. Parent accounts with HMRC are confidential, so we cannot help them directly.
If a parent has issues, they should contact HMRC for support either by phone or through an online form:
- Phone – 0300 1234 097
- Online – Contact DfE
- Online – Complain to HMRC
We will continue to keep everyone updated on any known issues and provide feedback through the appropriate channels.
What to do if a parent wants to move their child to a different setting during the term?
If a parent chooses to move their child to another setting during the term, the early education and childcare entitlement funding follows the child. This means the current provider cannot claim funding for any notice period after the child has stopped attending. Funding can only be claimed for the actual period of attendance. Parents cannot move their child after half term because that is the deadline for new enrolments.
The provider’s policy or contract must clearly outline:
- The notice period a parent is required to give before withdrawing their child.
- What happens to any deposit or additional charges relating to hours outside the funded entitlement.
- The notice period the provider must give if they are withdrawing a child’s place, ensuring parents have enough time to secure alternative provision.
- The reasons for withdrawal and any right of appeal available to parents.
- Parents must serve notice according to the provider contract, if they do not do so, they may incur a charge.
In all cases, clear communication between the parent, both settings, and the local authority will help ensure a smooth transition for the child and accurate allocation of funding.