Early Years Funding in Bromley
The Early Years Funding Team is committed to supporting Bromley families by providing information and assistance relating to childcare and early education. Our service offers guidance on accessing childcare and the funding streams available to parents to navigate childcare and the cost associated with it. Bromley residents can receive support through funding streams such as Early Learning for 2 year olds, Working Family Funding and Universal funding for all 3 and 4 year olds.
Frequently asked questions
How can my child benefit from Early Education?
All children deserve the care and support they need to have the best start in life. Children learn and develop at a faster rate from birth to five years old than at any other time in their lives, so their experiences in an early years setting has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe, and happy childhood is important. High-quality early learning provides the foundation children need to fulfil their potential.
All Early Years providers follow the statutory guidance for the foundation stage (EYFS), this sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.
Who can I contact in the Early Years Team to talk about my funded childcare options?
After looking at all the criteria in the above sections, please apply for whichever childcare funding stream applies to you. You can contact the Early Years Funding Team for further information.
Please email eychildcare@bromley.gov.uk or call our Childcare Information Helpline 0208 466 3088.
What should I do when I have a funding code?
Take your eligibility code to your chosen childcare provider who offers Early Years Funding. This could be a childminder, day nursery or preschool. The provider will guide you through the paperwork to access funding through Bromley borough.
When should I apply for Childcare Funding?
Bromley recommend that you apply for your funding code in the term your child reaches the qualifying age.
For Working family funding streams, you must apply by 31 August, 31 December or 31 March to access funding the following term.
If I apply for Early Learning for 2 year olds and get an automatic “No” result, what can I do?
If you believe you are eligible for Early Learning for 2 year olds funding and get a “No” result, please reapply and make sure all information entered into the application is accurate.
If this still returns a “No” result, and you believe you are eligible, please send an email to eychildcare@bromley.gov.uk where your application can be reviewed.
Do I have to apply for a Universal 3 and 4 year old code?
You do not have to apply for a code for this funding stream. If you have found a childcare setting which accepts this funding, they will ask you to provide proof of age and fill out a parent contract. All children are eligible from the term after they reach 3 years old.
Why do I have to reconfirm my code for Working Family Funding?
You must reconfirm your Working Family Funding code every 3 months through your Government Gateway account. This is to confirm to HMRC your circumstances still fulfil the criteria, and you are still eligible to receive Working Family Funding. If funding still applies your funding dates will be extended.
Can I use my funding code in another borough?
You can use your Working Family Funding code in any borough. This will usually start with 50…
You cannot use your Bromley Early Learning for 2 year olds code in another borough. You must apply for Early Learning for 2 year olds funding in the borough in which your setting is located.
When does Early Years funding stop?
Early Years funding typically stops when a child starts in a Reception class at school or reaches compulsory school age, which is the term following their fifth birthday. For most children, this means funding ends at the end of August before starting school in September.
Do I have to take up the full amount of funded hours?
No, it is your choice as to how many hours funding you would like to use.