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 3 & 4 year olds (30 hours of which we can offer a maximum of 21 hours per week)
• Extended hours (working parent) funding for 2 year olds (15 hours of funding) – from April 2024
• 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 – currently termly.  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 Childcare Choices https://www.childcarechoices.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. 

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