What is the Early Years Entitlement worth and what period does it cover?
From September 2010, all providers can offer up to 15 hours early years provision each week for up to 38 weeks a year.
If your provider is open for less than 38 weeks, the total number of weeks paid will be reduced to match the total number of weeks they are open.
If your provider is open for more than 38 weeks, your provider may choose to spread the full entitlement of hours over more weeks.
Can my child attend more than one provider?
Yes, your free entitlement can be split between 2 different providers. This will be done by sharing the entitlement on a pro-rata basis between them. You must inform your provider if your child attends more than one early education provider.
Can I use a provider that is located outside the boundaries of Bath and North East Somerset?
Yes, you can. You must make your claim for your child’s attendance in Bath and North East Somerset and declare on your form what other provision your child attends. Your chosen provider in the other authority will also require a similar claim form to be filled out and signed. The entitlement will then be split between the 2 providers.
However, you should be aware that other authorities funding entitlements may not be available at the time Bath and North East Somerset allocations are made, so adjustments to your Bath and North East Somerset funding may be necessary later in the term.
What happens if a child switches providers in the middle of a term?
If you have not claimed the maximum entitlement, any unused hours could be claimed by your new chosen provider.
Any transfer of your free entitlement already paid, is at the discretion of the provider and their local terms and conditions. Many have a notice period during which they are entitled to keep any funding they have received for a child.
You should discuss this with your provider. They may negotiate with each other if they wish to retain or transfer funding in respect of your child. However, any decision regarding transferring the funding is at the provider’s discretion and cannot be enforced by Bath and North East Somerset.
Is there any flexibility for children with special education needs?
Bath and North East Somerset recognises that some children with special educational needs may require additional support during their early education. Please contact the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo) at the provision your child attends for further information. You may also contact the Family Information Service for advice on 0800 073 1214.
How do I get the grant for my child?
At the start of the term after your child’s 3rd birthday (or any time after this when you want to start claiming), ask your provider for a new starter form (EYE 2-Early Years Entitlement Starter Form). The form should be fully completed, signed and handed to your provider with a copy of your child’s birth certificate. This only needs to be completed once for any child attending a provider.
At the start of each subsequent term (September, January and April), you will be asked to sign a pre-populated form to confirm the number of hours your child is attending. You MUST sign each term to confirm you child’s attendance for the entitlement to be paid.
What hours can I use the entitlement for?
The forms submitted to us will ask you to confirm the total number of hours your child attends and the number of days they attend. There is a minimum of 2 and a half and maximum of 10 hours which can be taken in any one day, but your provider may structure their day to designate ‘core’ hours during which the entitlement can be taken.
In order to claim the full 15 hour entitlement (where applicable), your child must attend 3 or more days. If your child only attends on 2 days, the entitlement is reduced to 12.5 hours.
If your child attends for more than the maximum entitlement, the provider must clarify on any bill your free entitlement and additional hours for which fees are due.
What happens if my child changes the number of hours they attend?
If your child’s hours have changed at the start of a term, this can simply be noted on the pre-populated form with a confirmation signature. If your child changes part way through a term, ask your provider for a EYE-3 (Early Years Entitlement Amendment form) to confirm the change. The completed form should be handed to your provider.