FAQ about FEEE funding for disadvantaged 2 year olds
Where can I find the eligibility criteria?
How can parents check if they are eligible?
This can be done online by the parent and carer directly using the Early Years Provider Portal.
Parents and carers can find further information about how to complete the check themselves.
When is the child eligible from?
| Child’s birthday between: | When you can claim: |
|---|---|
| 1 January and 31 March | From the 1 April following their 2nd birthday |
| 1 April and 31 August | From the 1 September following their 2nd birthday |
| 1 September and 31 December | From the 1 January following their 2nd birthday |
If a child attends my provision that lives out of county, which local authority pays for the funding?
Leicestershire children accessing the funding outside of Leicestershire will be paid by the Local Authority they take up their early years place in. Likewise, Leicestershire Local Authority will fund children taking up their place with Leicestershire Childcare Providers who live out of county.
If a child has been approved out of county, what do I need to do?
If a child has been approved by another local authority but wants to attend your setting, you will need to send us proof of the 2-year-old funding confirmation that parent or carer would have been issued with from the relevant local authority.
We'll need a copy of the official confirmation email or letter of eligibility. This should contain the child’s name, the date of eligibility and the 2-year-old code. Please send this information via the individual child’s ‘Documents tab' on the Provider Portal.
What documents do I need before I make a claim?
- A copy of each child’s birth certificate / passport or medical card.
- A signed/dated Parental Statement of Undertaking (PSOU) which clearly states how many hours the parent/carer wants you to claim for.
How do I claim?
You will need to complete the relevant headcount or adjustment task for the period. Please note that you will have to record the child’s voucher code.
Do children claiming 2 year old funding qualify for EYPP?
Yes, if the 2-year-old meets the EYPP eligibility criteria, they will receive 570 hours, broken down into 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year.
If a child is claiming 2 year funding and has now turned 3, what do I need to do?
The child will still be eligible to claim for the 2-year-old funding until the period after their 3rd birthday. Once a child is eligible for the 3- and 4-year funding, you'll need to remove them from the 2-year headcount task and transfer their details onto the 3- and 4-year headcount task.
Can the 2 year old funding be stretched?
Yes - A parent / carer cannot insist that a provider offers this opportunity as it is not mandatory, but if you can accommodate a parents / carers request and it will benefit the child we would definitely recommend you doing so. If you would like some advice on how to implement or administer a stretched offer, please contact the FEEE Team on 0116 305 5788 or email: feee@leics.gov.uk.
What happens if a parent/carer(s) circumstances change after successfully applying for the 2 year old funding?
Once a child is eligible for the 2-year-old funding for families who are receiving some additional form of government support, it will continue until the child is eligible for the 3- and 4-year-old funding - even if their circumstances change.
Can parents continue to claim child tax credits once they take up a funded place?
Once a child takes up a funded place they cannot claim child tax credits for childcare that they are getting through the entitlement. Parents should contact HMRC for advice.
Can I offer the 2 year old funding if I am newly registered and do not have an Ofsted grade?
Yes, you can claim the 2-year-old funding if you do not yet have an Ofsted grade. However, once you are inspected, if you do not receive a grade of ‘Good’, ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Effective’ you will be removed from the list of providers able to offer the 2-year-old funding for families who are receiving some additional form of government support and funding may be withdrawn as soon as practicable.
What if my Ofsted grade changes? Can I continue to offer 2 year old funded places?
If you do not receive an Ofsted grade of ‘Good’, ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Effective’ you will be removed from the list of providers offering the 2-year-old funding. Any existing children already accessing the funding at your provision will continue to be funded, however you will not be in a position to take any new children until your Ofsted grade once again reflects ‘Good’, ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Effective’. Please refer to the: