All 3 and 4-year-olds, living in England, are entitled to 570 funded hours of early education and childcare, over three claim periods each year (equal to 15 hours a week at Greenpark Academy). This is known as the Universal Offer.

Your child will receive the 15 hours funded early education and childcare until they start in Reception. (Year R).

For working parents, your child's entitlement could be up to 1,140 hours each year (equal to 30 hours a week at Greenpark Academy), if certain criteria are met.

The date a child is eligible for funded early education and childcare is based on the child's date of birth. A child becomes eligible at the start of the next claim period following their third birthday, see below:

• If your child's birthday is 1 January to 31 March, you can claim from the beginning of term on or after 1 April
• If your child's birthday is 1 April to 31 August, you can claim from the beginning of term on or after 1 September
• If your child's birthday is 1 September to 31 December, you can claim from the beginning of term on or after 1 January

You do not need a funding code to receive your universal entitlement of 15 hours per week of early education and childcare.

You do need to apply for the 30 hours via the Childcare Choices website to receive your 30 hours code if you qualify.

• You can apply for the 30 hours up to 16 weeks before your child becomes eligible
• If you do not apply before the start of the term you want to start claiming the 30 hours, you will not be able to receive the funded hours that term. It is important that you apply in advance to ensure you get your entitlement
• To keep your 30 hours funded childcare, you need to reconfirm you are eligible every 3 months, from your account. You will be reminded 4 weeks before the deadline.

Each claim period your childcare provider(s) will give you a parent/carer claim form to complete, sign and return to them by a specific date. Signing this form gives your provider consent to share your information and complete eligibility checks, to claim the funding entitlement from us for your child.

For more information, please visit the Norfolk County Council website or contact the nursery office on 01553 772018