Funding Options

Where your child is eligible, we accept the following types of funding claims;

• Universal funding for 3 & 4 year olds (15 hours)
• Extended hours (working parent) funding for 2, 3 & 4 year olds (30 hours of which we can offer a maximum of 24 hours per week)
• Two year old entitlement – receiving some additional forms of government support (15 hours)

In order to receive funding, we must receive a Funding Claim Form for your child for every claim period.  The completion of this claim form is mandatory. Parent/Carers MUST return a completed and signed form BEFORE checks can be actioned to confirm eligibility and a claim can be submitted on the portal.

A booklet is published by the County Council for parents/carers concerning Early Education Funding, and aims to inform you what is available and the rules of each entitlement. Parents/carers must confirm that they have read this document before claiming funding for their child(ren) and we currently publish this alongside funding forms.

The most up to date funding information can be found at Best Start In Life https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funding a week during term time, beginning the term after your child turns 3.  The extended (working parent) entitlements are based on eligibility and require you to apply for an eligibility code. The two year old 15 hour entitlement for families in receipt of some types of government support requires you to apply for a unique code.  Details of how to do this, and whether you meet the eligibility for these entitlements can be found via Childcare Choices or Norfolk County Council https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/40448  Using your funding at First Steps will be dependant on whether we have space in line with our admissions policy, the requirements of the EYFS, and our registration with Ofsted. 

Universal Credit 

For working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17. Claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs. Upfront childcare costs may be available to eligible parents moving in to work or increasing hours. More information can be found at; https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/universal-credit-childcare/

Workplace or Childcare Vouchers

First Steps is a registered provider for Tax-Free Childcare.  Please refer to the guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

Charges and Invoicing

We will invoice you termly to show the funding that has been claimed. We do not charge a registration fee, a fee for snacks or meals where a child only has a funded place. We charge for additional sessions over and above the funding you are entitled to at the setting rate for 2 and 3/4 year olds;

2 year olds – £19.20 a session

3/4 year olds – £17.40 a session

We will only charge for consumables such as nappies if you have asked us to provide those items at the setting.

If your child does not receive funding

We will charge at the rates stated above, and also apply a registration fee at £12.00 (one-off fee). We will not charge for snacks/meals, drinks, or consumables which must be provided by parents/carers. 

Trips or Extra-Curricular Activities

First Steps does not routinely offer activities which would incur an additional fee. If this were the case we would discuss with you, and opting in would be voluntary.