How the early education scheme works

Free early years places can be delivered by any provider included in Trafford’s directory of early education providers. See becoming an early education provider for information about how to join the directory and the provider agreement.

This is the key information you need to be part of the scheme:

• Funding process overview gives a brief overview of the steps providers must take to ensure payments are received. 
• How early education is funded describes the funding elements you will receive. Funding is paid in advance so you can offer early education places free at the point of delivery.  
• Model parent contract has been designed for providers to capture all the information required to administer the funding. 
• Term dates details the weeks and hours available for term time only and all year round claims.
• Provider timeline describes all the important dates throughout each term. This includes deadlines for provider actions to be completed and the dates payments are made.
• The Education Portal is used to claim the funding each term. 
• The 30 Hours Code Guide is a reference guide for making sure a 30 hours code is valid before a child starts their place.
• Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) is additional funding for early education providers to improve the education for disadvantaged 3 and 4 year old children.
• Early Education Provider Information answers some frequently asked questions about funded places.
• Preparing for Autumn 2023 is a guide for providers delivering funding in autumn term.