Early Education Funding (EEF)

If eligible, the free funding starts from the term after their qualifying age.  Free funding is granted by Herefordshire Council, not by the nursery.

 

Basic Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The EYFS Statutory Framework only requires the minimum provision for learning, development, and care. Merry go Round go above and beyond to enrich children’s early years experiences.

 

Additional Provisions (Consumables)

At Merry go Round, we go above and beyond the minimum requirements set by the EYFS to ensure that your child receives a rich, engaging, and nurturing Early Years experience. Parents/ Carers can opt in or out of the consumable charge.  Please see information in the Parent Contract provided in this pack.

 

Free, Funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

All three and four-year-olds in England are entitled to free, funded childcare from the term after their third birthday. This is often taken as 15 hours per week (or 30 hours per week subject to eligibility) for 38 weeks of the year.

 

Free, Funded childcare for 2 year olds ‘Best Start’

Some two year olds are also eligible through ‘Best Start’ to 15 hours per week

 

Visit https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/eligibility-checker/ to see if your two year old is eligible for free, funded childcare, and apply online. 

 

You'll need information about you and your partner (if you have one), including:

• How much you spend on childcare

• Any benefits you or your child get

• Your income

Check your eligibility for funded childcare for your two year old and apply online. 

 

If successful you will be provided with a 6 digit code that you must give to the nursery before your child starts.

 

Free, Funded childcare for children aged from 9 months to five years of Working Parents

Eligible working parents of children over 9 months could have 30 hours of free, funded childcare a week over 38 weeks of the year.  Funding can be taken in the term after the child turns 9 months old. You must register and complete a successful application to receive an eligibility reference number.  To complete an application, please visit https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/

 

30 hours a week (extended childcare)

Eligible working parents could have 30 hours of free, funded childcare a week over 38 weeks of the year, term time only.

 

The 30 hours extended free, funded childcare is available to eligible working parents of children aged from 9 months.

You must register and complete a successful application to receive an eligibility reference number.  To complete an application, please visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare

 

Check your eligibility and sign up on the government childcare website for your reference number.  Sign up should take about 20 minutes.

 

With both Working Parent funding and extended funding, when you have successfully completed the application you will receive a DfE Eligibility Reference Number (DERN).  You should take this, along with a note of your National Insurance number and evidence of the date of birth of the child, to your chosen childcare provider as proof of your eligibility.  Code eligibility will depend on the start date.

 

You will need to reconfirm through your government gateway every three months to ensure you continue to receive funding.  Failure to reconfirm will result in your extended funded childcare stopping.  You will, however, still be entitled to the 15 funded hours per week.

 

Please be aware that nursery do not control any element of application or granting of Early Education Funding.

 

When could my child be eligible from?

From the term after turning 9 months old and a parent has successfully applied and received a code, whichever is later. Funding can start:

 

From 1 April - for applications made between 1 January - 31 March

From 1 September - for applications made between 1 April - 31 August

From 1 January - for applications made between 1 September - 31 December

 

How you can use your funded childcare hours

Different providers give you different ways to use the free, funded hours you are entitled to.

 

Termly over 38 weeks.  Any additional weeks/ holiday care requires prior booking and full private fees apply.

 

Funding can be used for our main sessions, 8:30 to 11:30 (am) and 11:30 to 14:30 (pm), or 8:30 to 14:30 (full day) up to your weekly allowance.  All other sessions will be charged at our usual rates.  Up to date information is available on our website.

 

Can be shared between a maximum of two providers

 

When your child starts nursery, we will claim the funding for these hours and it is paid directly to us once your child is registered.  You will be expected to complete a funding form and provide any documentation required. 

 

All information is kept securely and only shared with Herefordshire Council EEF department.