As part of the Government’s commitment to improve early years education, the Local Education Authority (LEA) provides funding for three and four year olds if they attend an Ofsted-registered setting which is eligible to claim the Early Years Free Entitlement (EYFE) on behalf of the parent. The EYFE covers the LEA school year of 38 weeks however the LEA sets the number of weeks in each term and the amount of funding per session.
Administration
You will need to complete a Parent Declaration Form, which the nursery will provide. It is mandatory that we receive this form with a copy of the child’s birth certificate on time, so that any adjustments can be made for any children who attend other settings, or who do not wish to receive funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is my child entitled to LEA funding?
- What happens if my child starts nursery after the headcount date?
- My child will be off during the headcount week, will this affect the funding?
- If my child attends another setting, can I still claim with Hopscotch?
- The LEA has told me my sessions are free.
- Why do some LEAs want us to claim EYEE in hours?
- Why do you need a copy of my child’s birth certificate or passport?
- Why do I need to sign a Parent Declaration Form every term?
- What happens if I do not return my Parents Declaration Form?
- Do I need to declare this to the Inland Revenue if I claim working family/child tax credits?
- What if I do not want to claim EYEE?
- Who can I contact Hopscotch for help with EYEE?
When is my child entitled to LEA funding?
Your child is normally entitled to the EYFE from the term after their 3rd birthday. For example, if a child becomes 3 years old in February, EYFE starts in the Summer Term.
What happens if my child starts nursery after the headcount date?
Your child must be attending the nursery on the headcount date to qualify for EYFE. This means they must be on our register on that day.
My child will be off during the headcount week, will this affect the funding?
Yes it may affect the claim. If you are away on holiday or your child is off sick we will still make a claim for you but funding is not guaranteed. Some LEAs require us to send copies of our registers to prove the children’s attendance at nursery, so it is advisable that you try to ensure that your child attends fully for the week of the headcount.
If my child attends another setting, can I still claim with Hopscotch?
If your child attends an LEA setting you cannot claim EYFE with Hopscotch. If your child attends another private setting you can claim but you need to confirm this on your Parent Declaration Form by telling us the number of sessions you wish to claim from Hopscotch and from the other setting, to a maximum of 15 hours a week.
The LEA has told me my sessions are free.
The ‘free entitlement’ relates to the EYFE funding. The LEA pays for 3 hours per session for a maximum of 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. Hopscotch provides a full day care service. This means that sessions are longer and we are open more than the 38 weeks per year. Our fees also include breakfast, snacks, nappies and peripatetic lessons if required. Therefore the cost to you is the nursery fees minus the EYFE funding.
Why do the LEAs want us to claim EYFE in hours?
LEAs collect the children’s time in hours rather than sessions. At Hopscotch you can claim for 15 hours over a maximum of five sessions with no more 6 hours being claimed within one day.
Why do you need a copy of my child’s birth certificate or passport?
We need to confirm your child’s date of birth falls within the dates of eligibility set by the LEA. This can be a birth certificate or passport. We also need to retain a copy of this for audit purposes.
Why do I need to sign a Parent Declaration Form every term?
Both Hopscotch and the LEA require you to sign a parent declaration form for each term you claim. A new form must be completed to enable us to complete the head count form accurately and to allow you the correct amount. The LEA can audit us at any time to ensure that we are awarding you in the correct manner and we need to provide them with documentary evidence. Please be aware that the form is a legal document and that anyone knowingly making a false declaration may be committing an offence and could be liable to prosecution. The information contained on the form is protected under the Data Protection Act.
What happens if I do not return my Parents Declaration Form?
If you fail to return your form and proof of your child’s date of birth, the EYFE will be withheld until we receive them. If they are not received by the headcount date, funding will not be claimed for your child.
Do I need to declare this to the Inland Revenue if I claim working family/child tax credits?
It is our understanding that you do need to declare EYFE if you are in receipt of the childcare element of working family/ child tax credits but you should get further clarification from the Inland Revenue. You can contact them on 0845 300 3900 (textphone 0845 300 3909). They are open from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week or online at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk.
What if I do not want to claim EYFE?
We understand that some parents may not wish to claim EYFE as it can complicate claims with working family tax credit. We do still require you to complete the form and to state that you do not wish to claim. Please make this clear on the form. It is also desirable for you to send a letter to confirm this.
Who can I contact Hopscotch for help with EYFE?
You can call Teresa Steinicke at the Hopscotch Head Office on 01273 385577
Alternatively email at : office@hopscotch.uk.com