Free Early Years Education (EYE) funding for eligible 2 year olds

This is a government initiative that funds 15 hours of early education for 2 year old children who would benefit most from early access to childcare. Children who are eligible to claim for 2 year old funding are able to claim the first term after their second birthday.

Children who are confirmed as eligible will be offered up to 15 free early years education hours per week for 38 weeks (if you choose this funding option this will mean you will be charged full price in all the school holidays), which totals 570 hours for your child’s eligible funding year. As First Steps are open for 51 weeks per year you can also choose a stretched offer which entitles your child to 11 hours per week throughout the year.

First Steps is registered to take children for the 2 year funding, parents must apply for the funding directly and be awarded the hours prior to taking up a place. Here is the link to access further information:

Free Early Education for 3 & 4 year olds.

This enables all parents to access either the standard offer of 15 funded early education hours term time (if you choose this funding option this will mean you will be charged full price in all the school holidays) or 11 hours using a stretched offer throughout the whole year for their child. For those that are eligible, the government now offers extended hours of either 15 hours term time or 11 hours using the stretched offer throughout the year. We can offer parents a maximum of 30 hours using the standard offer or 22 hours using the stretched offer. Please access this link for more information and to apply for the extended entitlement.