Council services
Early education funding for three and four year olds
When does my child become eligible for funded early education?
Children are eligible for funding from the term after their third birthday. Funding can start at the beginning of term:
- If your child is three between 1 January and 31 March funding will start in the Summer term - April
- If your child is three between 1 April and 31 August funding will start in the Autumn term - September
- If your child is three between 1 September and 31 December funding will start in the Spring term - January
How is the funding paid?
The funding is paid directly to the provider. If your child attends for no more than five 2.5 hour sessions per week for 38 weeks per year (divided across the three school terms) you should not be asked to pay any fees.
What if my child attends for longer than 2½ hours, or more than five sessions each week, or has additional services?
Funded early education provides for five 2.5 hour sessions each week, for 38 weeks per year - divided across the three school terms. If your child attends longer sessions or more sessions per week, or for more than 38 weeks in one year, the provider will charge you for the additional childcare or services.
What if my child attends more than one setting?
There is good evidence to show that children benefit from building strong relationships with adults and peers at only one setting, and the vast majority of children in the Wokingham area attend the same pre-school or nursery for all their five sessions each week. Sometimes, however, this is not possible, for instance where a parent works for part of the week, and the child may attend a workplace nursery for those sessions and a pre-school setting near their home for the other sessions. In these circumstances, it is permissible for both settings to claim part funding for the same child. Parents will need to make sure that both settings are aware of the circumstances, as both settings must be satisfied that split provision is in the best interests of the child and must state this when they claim funding. Once a child enters a local authority maintained setting such as a school nursery or reception class, the funding is then paid through the school and cannot be split.
How do I find a registered provider?
The Family Information Service can send you a list of registered providers. Please telephone them on 0118 935 2255.
What happens if my child has additional needs?
If your child has additional needs there are specialist members of staff who will be able to support you, your child and your chosen setting, to make sure that your child’s needs are met appropriately.
There are other leaflets which give more information about the support and services available to children with additional needs and their families. Please contact the Family Information Service on 0118 935 2255 if you would like copies of these.
How can I find out more about early education?
If you have questions about anything you have read in this leaflet, or would like to know more about early learning or the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, please speak to a member of staff at your chosen setting. The Family Information Service can also help you to find additional information and answers to any questions you may have. You can contact them on 0118 935 2255.
