Frequently asked questions about free Early Education and Childcare (EEC) for eligible 2 year olds

Frequently asked questions

I (or someone on my behalf) have completed an online application form for funding. When will I know the outcome?

You will receive an outcome instantly at the end of your online application.

I have lost my confirmation letter informing me that funding has been approved. What should I do?

Please e-mail earlyyearsfunding@bury.gov.uk with your child's name and date of birth so that we can re-send you a copy as you will need this letter to show to your childcare provider.

I have received a confirmation letter informing me that funding has been approved however, the details are incorrect e.g. child's name/date of birth/address. What should I do?

Please e-mail earlyyearsfunding@bury.gov.uk with your child's name and date of birth together with details of the incorrect information.

Now that funding has been approved what should I do?

1. Choose your preferred provider by visiting Childcare and activities. If you require support finding a suitable provider please contact the Family Information Service at childinfo@bury.gov.uk.
2. Contact your preferred provider to arrange a visit and discuss your requirements
3. Show your confirmation letter 2 year old funding and your child's birth certificate to your preferred provider and agree a start date.

Why does the childcare provider need a copy of my child's birth certificate?

The childcare provider needs to confirm your child's date of birth to ensure that they are of an eligible age to access a free place and that it matches your confirmation letter. If you do not have a copy of your child's birth certificate you can order one from Copy certificates or Gov.uk - Order a birth, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate.

What is my child entitled to?

15 hours of free early education and childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year.

The 38 weeks are divided into:

• Spring Term: 11 weeks at 15 hours per week (165 hours per term)
• Summer Term: 12 weeks at 15 hours per week (180 hours per term)
• Autumn Term: 15 weeks at 15 hours per week (225 hours per term)

Are there any restrictions on how I use the hours?

You can use:

• A maximum of 10 hours in one day
• A maximum of 15 hours over one week

You do not have to take up the full 15 hours. Your chosen childcare provider will be able to provide information about what is available with them.

When can my child start receiving the sessions?

Can my child access a free place all year?

You may have the option to 'stretch' your child's free hours over more than 38 weeks. This would mean that your child would attend for less than 15 hours per week, but more than 38 weeks in the year. Please discuss this option with your chosen childcare provider to see if this is something that they offer.

Can I be charged during holiday periods?

If you are using a childcare provider that is open for more than 38 weeks, you will be charged for any additional time that your child attends. If you do not wish to attend any additional hours, the childcare provider may not be able to guarantee your child's place for the following term. You may have the option to pay a retainer, or to re-register your child if there is a place available.

Can lunchtime be classed as part of the free entitlement?

The free place can be taken over a lunch break if this is offered by your childcare provider. Your childcare provider may offer a meal at an additional cost; however you should also have the choice to provide your own packed lunch.

What if the childcare provider I want to use has no spaces?

If your preferred childcare provider has no suitable vacancies, please use the Family Information Service Online Childcare Search at Childcare and activities to look at alternative providers. If you are still unable to find childcare please contact the Family Information Service at childinfo@bury.gov.uk who may be able to help.

Do I have to pay for the free place?

You should not be charged for the free place. Bury Council pays the childcare provider directly for your child's free place. The childcare provider will then use this payment to provide early education and childcare for your child. It is advisable to check that the childcare provider is able to offer free hours at a time which meets your individual needs. If you choose to take up any additional hours or services from your childcare provider, you will be charged accordingly for these.

If my child is unwell, is the free place affected?

You are not able to claim back any free hours that your child has been unable to attend due to illness. The free hours will be used to keep your child's place open for their return. If your child is unwell and unable to attend for more than four weeks, please contact your childcare provider to discuss your child's place.

If I take a holiday, how does this affect my child's free place?

If your child is unable to attend due to a family holiday, their free hours will normally be used to keep their free place open until they return. Alternatively, if you discuss your holiday with your childcare provider, you may be able to pay a retainer to keep your child's place open. This may mean that your child can receive their free hours later in the term. This would be at the discretion of your childcare provider and they are under no obligation to offer this.

I live in Bury; can my child attend a childcare provider outside of Bury?

Your child may be able to attend a provider in another Local Authority as long as the provider is on the authority's directory of providers eligible to deliver EEC for 2 year olds. If you haven't already applied for funding and you choose a provider from another authority, it is advisable to apply for funding through that authority.

Can I be charged a deposit if I only want to use the free place?

Providers can charge a refundable deposit to parents accessing the free entitlements for 2 year olds. The deposit should be refunded within a reasonable timescale unless you fail to take up the place, in which case the provider is not obliged to refund the deposit.

My circumstances have changed, for example, I, or my partner, have returned to work. Is my child still entitled to this funding?

Yes. Once your child has been approved for the 2 year old funding, this will remain in place, even if your circumstances change, until they are automatically transfer over to the funding for three and four year olds.

I am unhappy with my child's free entitlement and/or the quality of care my child is receiving. What should I do?

If you have any queries about the entitlement or the quality of care it is important that you always discuss these first with your provider. It is in their interest to resolve any issues that you may have. Issues concerning invoices are best dealt with by your provider as they should be able to give you a full breakdown of the amount due. It is a legal requirement that they provide parents/carers with invoices. They must also provide you with a list of their charges, including details of charges made for any extra hours/services accessed in addition to the free entitlement.

If, after speaking to your childcare provider, you still feel that your child has been unable to access their free entitlement, please e-mail earlyyearsfunding@bury.gov.uk For alternative providers, please use the Family Information Service Online Childcare Search at Childcare and activities. If you are still unable to find childcare please contact the Family Information Service at childinfo@bury.gov.uk who will be able to help.

I would like to change my childcare provider. What should I do?

You must inform your current provider as soon as possible of your change in circumstances as you may have to give a notice period. For information on other childcare providers that offer 2 year old funded places, please use the Family Information Service Online Childcare Search at Childcare and activities. If you are still unable to find childcare please contact the Family Information Service at childinfo@bury.gov.uk who will be able to help.

My child was awarded a free place earlier in the year that he/she did not access. I now wish for my child to access this place. Is this place still valid?

Yes however, if your child has missed the start of the term he/she became eligible, they will not be able to access all 38 weeks of the entitlement. Sessions cannot be back dated.

I have a question that has not been answered by any of the above. What should I do?

Please e-mail earlyyearsfunding@bury.gov.uk with your child's name, date of birth and details of your enquiry.