Early Education
Three and Four Year Old Funding
Childcare costs can account for a large proportion of your family income because good quality childcare can be expensive. Three and Four Year Old Funding in Poole supports all eligible 3 year olds, from the period after a child's third birthday, and 4 year olds. This funding is paid directly to the Early Education setting for a maximum of 5 x 2 ½ hour sessions for up to 38 weeks per year. Funding is available for an amount up to 75 sessions per funding period, depending on the period length.
Pre-schools, Day Nurseries, Nursery Classes and Network Childminders can offer Three and Four Year Old Funding.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has set eligibility dates as follows:
- 1 January - 31 March
- 1 April - 31 August
- 1 September - 31 December
As a parent or guardian, you do not claim for the funding directly. The child's Nursery Education provider or setting will ask you to complete a Parent Declaration Form in each period that you return to them. The provider will then claim the funding from the Localities and Childcare Team.
We will pay for all provision taken in the Borough (at settings accredited to take 3 and 4 Year Old Funding), regardless of where the child lives.
Directgov