Parents

Gateway Pre Schools are registered to offer Free Entitlement Funding (FEF).  The free entitlement is term time only for 38 weeks of the year.

Maximum number of hours parents can claim is 15 hours per week for 38 weeks.

What is Early Years Entitlement (EYE).  

FEF is a government scheme which allows Gateway Pre Schools and Nurseries to offer up to 15 hours of free childcare each week (term time only)

How much free childcare can I get for my child?

15 hours per week over three academic terms (Spring Summer & Autumn). A total of 38 weeks each year.

To claim the full entitlement of 15 hours per week, your child must attend for five sessions (morning or afternoon) three days each week.

When will my child become eligible for EYE?

From the first term after the date your child turns three years old to the last term before they go to school.

• Children born between 1 January — 31 March become eligible in summer term (Apr — Sept).
• Children born between 1 April — 31 August become eligible in Autumn Term (Sept — Dec).
• Children born between 1 September — 31 December become eligible in Spring Term (Jan — Mar).

How do I claim EYE?

By signing a declaration at the beginning of each term and signing and agreeing to the terms and conditions.  These declarations confirm the child details and the number of hours of EYE funding being claimed.

For each term claim, a child must be in attendance at the nursery on or before the term Headcount Date advised by the Local Education Authority.

The Headcount Date is a specific date usually towards the beginning of each term.

If your child starts at the nursery after the Headcount Date, Gateway Pre Schools will submit a in period claim to the Local Education Authority but cannot provide free childcare until it is approved.

If a child leaves a Gateway Pre School during a term the EYE claimed through Gateway will be adjusted to reflect the actual hours attended at the nursery.

How is EYE reflected in invoices and payments?

EYE is “free at point of delivery”.  This means that the EYE hours are never charged. Your invoice will show a zero cost. If you register for additional hours beyond the EYE free hours, they will be shown on your invoice as payable.

What happens if I change my child’s attendance?

If you want to change your hours, days, sessions we have a form for you to complete.  Any changes must be agreed by the pre-school manager and the Local Education Authority must be advised. In addition you would need to complete a new EYE declaration if the number of EYE hours changes.

The change in EYE hours may change your monthly invoice. It would depend on the fee rates and also the number of new sessions you book.  The first invoice to reflect any changes agreed will be for the month – after the month – of the changes to attendance.

Find out more about Early Years Entitlement and childcare
https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-2-to-4-year-olds