EYFS funding for 4 year olds - urgent question

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

I don't know where to look for the answer to this. DD is 4 in August. Is she still entitled to her 15 hours of funding in September as she is not going to school? I had been told by her current setting that she is, but I'm having a sudden wobble.

[didireallysaythat]

The entitlement stops in the academic year (ie starting sept) in which they turn 5 and therefore can start school. At least that was how it worked in England 3 years ago. I think you should be OK.

[LeeCoakley]

It doesn't sound as if she will get the funding if it stops in the academic year in which children turn 5. I don't actually know myself, I think you should investigate further.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

I don't know where to find out!

[Clayhead]

Usually the school would claim it in those circumstances, until the end of the term in which they turn five, so I guess it must be out there to be claimed!

[LIZS]

yes she is, theoretically until next summer.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Thanks. LIZS, do you know where I can find proof of that?

[LIZS]

Should be on LA website or you could ring their Early Years department.

[Sirzy]

Contact your local LEA they should be able to confirm.

Is she not going to school because they can't provide a place or for other reasons? if they can't provide a place then they should certainly continue the funding.

[didireallysaythat]

DD is a June baby and started school when 4. At the time the county's policy was they were part time until the term they turned 5. So he went to preschool in the afternoons for two terms. But because he'd started school there were no free hours at the preschool. I complained to the LEA as I felt I was financially penalised for conceiving a child at the wrong time of the year. They didn't see my point if view !