Free early education for three and four year olds

The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) is additional funding given to early years providers to improve the education they provide for eligible two, three and four-year-olds.

Childcare providers, including day nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and schools, could receive up to £388 a year to support an eligible child’s learning.

Please note, this funding cannot be used to reduce childcare fees.

Your child may be entitled to EYPP funding if they are 2, 3 or 4 years old and are attending a childcare provider and receiving Free Early Education and Childcare Entitlement.

Your child will be able to get EYPP if your family is in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Tax credits, and you have an income of under £16,190 before tax
• Working Tax Credit run-on, which is paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit, and you have an annual net earned income equivalent up to and not exceeding £7,200 assessed on up to three of the parent’s most recent Universal Credit assessment periods.

Or if you are not receiving any benefits, your child will be able to get EYPP if they:

• are looked after by a local authority in England or Wales (“in care”)
• Have left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order in England or Wales

How to apply for EYPP?

Please ask your childcare provider to apply. You will need to give them your National Insurance number.

How does EYPP help my child?

Your childcare provider will work closely with you to carefully consider the learning and development needs of your child. EYPP can be spent in various ways e.g. making a difference through improved staff training, extra resources or support for children.

When Ofsted inspect your childcare provider, they will evaluate whether the additional funding is being used effectively, to support your child in the best possible way.