FIS: Funding for 3 and 4 Year-Olds

What is the free entitlement under the Early Years Foundation Stage?  

With effect from September 2010 the free entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds increases to a maximum of 15 hours per week of free entitlement for your child. You are entitled to claim the grant for 38 weeks per year during term time.

The full 15 hours entitlement is required to be taken over a minimum of 3 days per week. The maximum entitlement if taken over 2 days is 13 hours per week.  The minimum entitlement is 3 hours.

If you choose for your child to attend for the 15 hours free entitlement only, you should not be charged any fees for your entitlement.  However, providers may apply a small charge towards lunch or snacks. If your child attends more than the 15 hours per week you will be charged for the additional hours and this is a matter between you and the provider.

You can access the free entitlement at:

  • Maintained Nursery Unit operated by a Wirral School or a Maintained Nursery School.
  • Pre-School/Playgroup
  • Private Day Nursery
  • Independent School

You can split your entitlement between a maximum of 2 providers.

To find out if a childcare provider is registered for the grant; to get a list of providers in your area; to get information about what each type of childcare offers, call Wirral Family Information Service on 0800 0858 743.

When can my child receive the grant?

All children can become eligible form the term after their third birthday.

  • Children born between 1st January and 31st March become eligible in April (Summer Term)
  • Children born between 1st April and 31st August become eligible in September (Autumn Term)
  • Children born between 1st September and 31st December become eligible in January (Spring Term).

For example, if your child is three on the 3rd January they become eligible in the summer term.

The entitlement will last until you child is in full time Education.

What are the benefits for my child?

The free entitlement is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage for children aged 0 to 5 years. Your child will learn through active, play-based opportunities in a caring environment. Learning will focus on: personal, social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; problem solving, reasoning and numeracy; knowledge and understanding of the world; physical development and creative developments.

It has been proven that a rich and stimulating start to early education is a lifelong benefit that helps children to fulfil their potential.

How do I get a place for my child?

As a parent/carer you can decide where you would like your child to go (subject to availability). For more information about what is available in your area, or help to find a place call Wirral Family  Information Service on 0800 0858 743. You should contact the provider of your choice as soon as possible in case they have a waiting list for places.

Do I have to apply for funding?

No, your childcare provider will do this for you.

You will be asked to complete an application form and supply a copy of your child’s birth certificate for the first term your child becomes entitled.  For each subsequent term you will be asked to sign a parent declaration form stating how many hours you would like to claim at that setting and to confirm that you are not claiming more than 15 hours per week in total.

How does the funding work?

The Council will pay for the free entitlement directly to your childcare provider. The funded places are free and you will not be required to pay towards this. You will be charged for any additional childcare your child has over the 15 hours free entitlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to attend 15 hours to receive the grant?

No. Your child will receive the grant for the hours attended. e.g. if your child attends 12 hours per week we will pay them 12 hours only.

Can I include the 15 hours Early Years Foundation Stage entitlement in my claim for the Childcare element of the Working Family Tax Credit?

No. The 15 hours of Early Years Entitlement is free and can not therefore be included in the assessment. However, any additional hours that you pay for over and above the free entitlement can be included. Important: If you have previously been claiming for a child that is now eligible for the free entitlement, you must inform HMRC on 0845 300 3900 so your tax credits can be adjusted accordingly.

If I want to move my child to a different provider, what do I do?

Speak to your existing childcare provider. Check your next provider has a place. The free entitlement is calculated on a termly basis; therefore your funding will stay with your original provider for the full term even if your child leaves.   You may be charged at your new provider and you should discuss this possibility before making any decisions.

If my child lives in Wirral local authority area but I want them to attend a childcare setting outside the area, can I still access the free entitlement?

This will depend on the location of your childcare provider. If the provider is in another English local authority area then that local authority is obliged to provide your child with a free place as cross border arrangements are in place.

Where can I get further information?

Call ‘Wirral Family Information Service’ for a list of childcare providers who offer the free entitlement on 0800 0858 743.  

For information relating to starting school call the switchboard on 0151 606 2000 and ask for school admissions.