Funded Early Learning

Government funded childcare is available for all 3 and 4 year olds, and eligible 2 year olds. All eligible children are entitled to at least 570 hours of funded childcare each year.  In Sheffield this is known as Funded Early Learning or FEL.

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All 3 and 4 year old children are currently entitled to 15 hours per week. Your child will qualify for this funding the term after their 3rd birthday. 

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Child's Birthday              Start from

1 April - 31 August             1 September (Autumn Term)

1 Sept - 31 December      1 January (Spring Term)

1 January - 31 March       1 April (Summer Term)

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When your child is eligible for Funded Early Learning you will be able to use all or part of your entitlement with us as we are a registered provider. It is up to you how much of your funding you would like to use with Holmhirst Pre School and how much you may want to allocate to a different provider. Hours outside your funded allocation are charged at the standard fee.

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Click here for further information about eligibility and the types of childcare support available.

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30 Hours FEL

If you live and work in England you may be entitled to 30 hours funded childcare support from the term after your child turns 9 months old, until they start school. 

If you are not eligible for the working parent offer you will still receive the 15 hour entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds from the term after your child turns 3 until they start school, irrespective of your income level, benefit status, or family circumstances..

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If you wish to use your entitlements later than the term after your child turns the relevant age, you can apply closer to the time you wish to start. Provided you still meet the eligibility criteria for that entitlement at that time, you will not lose your ability to apply.

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​You must apply online through the Government Gateway. 

If you’re eligible, you will receive a childcare code online. The code is valid for 3 months.

Once you have this code please pass this on to us here at Pre School (and any other setting your child attends) so we can update our records and make the claim for the additional 15 hours.

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You must re-confirm your eligibility for 30 hours funding every 3 months. You will get notified by HMRC when you need to do this. 

If your eligibility is not re-confirmed you are at risk of losing your funded place and we may have to charge you for the additional hours.