Delivering funded early education and childcare

Funded places for children aged 9 months and older with working families

The government may fund up to 15 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months and older with working families.

Eligible children are able to claim up to 570 hours a year of free early education and childcare. This is split over the 3 funding blocks.

Funded places for 3 and 4-year-olds

All parents and carers of 3 and 4-year-old children are able to claim up to 570 hours a year of free early education and childcare, also known as Universal Childcare. This is split over the 3 funding blocks.

Some parents of 3 and 4-year-old children may also be eligible to claim up to an additional 570 hours a year (split over 3 funding blocks) of free early education and childcare (known as 30 hours).

Funded places for disadvantaged and vulnerable 2-year-olds

Some parents of 2-year-old children may be eligible to claim up to 570 hours a year (split over 3 funding blocks) of free early education and childcare. Parents and carers can check their eligibility.

Headcount dates

Following the monthly payment of headcount claims, a detailed report will be sent to providers to give a full breakdown of payments and all early years’ supplements received.

For further information or to request a copy of the calendar please email [email protected]. 

Provider agreement and compliance review

Provider agreement

All providers delivering Early Education and Childcare Funded provision (for eligible children 9 months and older, and children 2, 3 and 4 year old) must read and accept the provider agreement.

Compliance review

The Early Education and Childcare (EEC) funding compliance review is directly linked to the provider agreement, which all providers must sign in order to receive funding.

The 2 documents aim to ensure both North Northamptonshire Council and EEC providers are meeting the expectations regarding delivering funded childcare places.

Last updated 01 April 2025