Early years provider agreement

Funded early education for children from 9 months - 4 years of age

If you are an early years setting that currently offers - or is considering offering funded early learning for children aged 9 months to 4 years, there are important steps you must follow before applying.

Provider Agreement

Before registering, you must read the Provider Agreement – Funded Early Learning for Children Aged 9 Months to 4 Years. It outlines the terms and conditions you’ll need to meet to provide funded places. The Quality section of the agreement also explains the criteria your setting must meet to be eligible.

Understand Funding Rates

The Department for Education (DfE) has updated the Easy explainer: early years funding rates - GOV.UK.

It provides a clear explanation of:

  • Why funding rates differ by age
  • How staff-to-child ratios affect funding
  • What the hourly funding rate is designed to cover.

How to Register

To register your setting to offer funded early learning places, please contact us: