Funded early education
Government funding is available to help children access a free early education place. There is also additional support to cover other childcare costs.
The type of funding available depends on your family's circumstances and your child’s age.
Funding types
Working Parent Entitlement
Eligible families may be able to receive up to 30 hours a week from the term after their child turns 9 months, up to and including the term they turn 5. Most children start reception class in September after their 4th birthday.
You can read more about Working Parent Entitlement.
Early learning for 2-year-olds
Families receiving additional support may be able to receive up to 15 hours a week from the term after their 2nd birthday.
3 and 4-year-old funding
All children can receive up to 15 hours per week from the term after their child’s 3rd birthday.
You can read more about 3 and 4 year old funding.
Receiving your hours
Your early education provider will ask you to complete a parent declaration form to collect the details needed to claim the free hours for your child. They will then confirm your place, including when the hours will start and how they will be delivered.
The funding is claimed on a termly basis. If your child is attending a Trafford provider on or before the termly Headcount Day, they can claim funding on your behalf. This is done by submitting a Headcount form.
If your child starts to attend after this date, your funded place will begin at the start of the next new term. Your provider will confirm the dates for each term.
Fees
Your hours will be completely free.
Government funding is not intended to cover the costs of meals and other consumables. Your provider may charge for this, but it should not be a condition of your place. Providers must offer you an alternative option.
Any additional charges should be agreed in advance and clearly visible on your invoice.
What is covered
All funded hours cover:
- Early education
- Care while your child is in the setting
- Planned learning activities
You may still need to pay for:
- Meals and snacks
- Additional activities
- Extra hours beyond your funded entitlement
Changing where you access your funded place
You must make sure your current provider is aware you want to leave and discuss any notice period with them, as written in your contract.
You can change your early education provider at the start of each new term: 1 January, 1 April and 1 September.
Moving your funding from another local authority
If your child is moving to a Trafford provider on or before Headcount day, the new provider can claim funding for you.
If you are moving after this point, your new provider may be able to claim some funding, depending on how many hours your child has already received that term. Talk to your new provider about accessing funding before your child starts to attend.