A child will be eligible for funding from the term after:
- the child turns 2 years old
- the child or parent meets the eligibility criteria
Both of these conditions must be met.
Read about eligibility on GOV.UK.
Eligible children are entitled to funded childcare places of up to 15 hours a week over 38 weeks. This is a total of 570 hours in each 12-month period, starting from the term after their second birthday.
The entitlement may be stretched over more than 38 weeks, and up to 52 weeks. This means taking fewer hours per week, subject to a maximum of 570 hours a year.
Go to our suggested weeks page for examples of how to stretch entitlement.
During registration, providers must see the child's birth certificate or passport to confirm their age. They must record this on the parent declaration form.
You are responsible for making sure that claims are only made for eligible children.
Children living in Bracknell Forest
Parents must provide evidence of eligibility. The application reference code for Bracknell Forest residents start with TYF867.
After this, you can apply for the child to be placed at your setting. Log into the provider portal and start a placement notification.
Children living outside Bracknell Forest
Parents must provide confirmation of their eligibility from their local authority. This will be either a letter or a reference number. Email a copy of the confirmation to the Early Years Team.
Alternatively, submit an application using the provider portal by starting a placement notification. You will need the parents' consent before you begin.
View the provider portal guidance for help completing funding claims.
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Offering a place
You offer a place until a child turns 3. After this, they become eligible for universal entitlement for 3 and 4-year-olds.
You must make sure that you do not exceed the statutory limit of 570 hours in each 12-month period where:
- a child attends more than 1 provider or has moved provider
- either provider stretches funding over more than 38 weeks
Contact the Early Years Team to check a child’s remaining funded hours.