Early Education Funding

Introduction to Early Education funding

Early Education Funding

All three and four year olds are entitled to access 15 hours per week Early Education Funding (EEF) from the dates shown below:

Child’s Date of Birth (Dates Inclusive) Eligible 2Yr Olds (with FIS code) All 3Yr Olds (15 hours and those eligible for 30 hours- HMRC code)
1 April – 31 August From start of term following 1st September after their 2nd Birthday From start of term following 1st September after their 3rd Birthday
1 Sept – 31 Dec From start of term following 1st January after their 2nd Birthday From start of term following 1st January after their 3rd Birthday
1 Jan – 31 March From start of term following 1st April after their 2nd Birthday From start of term following 1st April after their 3rd Birthday

In addition (subject to eligibility criteria):

  • Two year old children may be able to access 15 hours funding from the term after their second birthday. Parents/Carers can check eligibility through Families Information Service
  • Three and four year old children may be able to access an additional 15 hours (30 hours total) from the term after their third birthday. Eligibility can be checked through HMRC Childcare Choices.
  • Early Education Funding ends at entry to a full time school place or by the term in which the child is five year old.

If you are a registered childcare provider in Rotherham you may be able to offer free early education places and claim funding on behalf of parents by contracting with RMBC. If not already registered to deliver Early Education Funding, childcare providers can apply via the following application forms:

You can find out more about delivering Early Education Funding by reading the Early Education Funding Agreement for 2, 3 and 4 year olds