FREE NURSERY ENTITLEMENT (FNE) FOR ELIGIBLE 2 YEAR OLDS
 
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS 

Free Nursery Entitlement (FNE) – What is it?
 
Some 2 year old children are entitled to receive free nursery sessions.  These can be taken in a school nursery who delivers 2 year old provsion or with an approved day nursery or childminder.

What is my child entitled to?
 
Your child is entitled to receive 570 hours free nursery education per year.  This equates to a maximum of 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year (term time only) or 11.5 hours over 50 weeks.  You do not have to take up the full entitlement however you are encouraged to do so. 
 
Do I have to attend a session every day?
 
No, settings and schools have been required to offer the free nursery entitlement more flexibly.  The offer of 570 hours can be stretched over a longer period of time but less hours per week will be available free.  For examples of how this may be taken please consult your provider or ring Kim Rowntree on 01429 284881.
 
When will my child become eligible for a free 2 year old place?
 
National guidelines dictate the following:

Can my child attend more than one setting?
 
Yes, 2 settings can be used, however we would encourage that your child stays with one provider as far as possible as it is important for the child to have consistency and stability. 

Current Childminders who currently have 2 Year Funded Childcare.

N.B All other childminders who have a good or outstanding Ofsted grade can deliver 2 year funded childcare.

Private providers delivering 2 year funded childcare.

Schools delivering 2 year funded childcare. 

How will the places be funded?
 
The places will be funded by the local authority with payment made directly to the provider.  If your child takes less than 15 hours per week, the payment will be adjusted pro-rata. 

A parent is not expected to contribute towards the costs of their free entitlement, it should be free at the point of delivery.  A childs’ free entitlement however does not cover any additional services that the setting may offer eg. extra hours or transport, you will need to speak with your provider to discuss any charges for this.
 
Will the nursery session(s) my child receives be of good quality ?
 
Yes, providers offering the free nursery entitlement must be registered with Ofsted.  Being registered means that the provider must comply with the requirements of The Department of Educations’ Code of Practice on the Early Educationand Childcare.  The provider will be subject to an inspection by OFSTED, the organisation which also inspects schools to make sure that the child is being educated appropriately.   Local Authority staff work closely with settings to develop and enhance the learning environment and experience for your child.
 
How can I apply?
 
To apply for your child’s 2 year old free nursery entitlement complete an application on https://eyes-par-portal.hartlepool.gov.uk/web/portal/pages/home 

You may be entiled to a 2 year old Free Nursery Entitlement place if you are receiving one or more of the following:

• Income Support
• Income Related Job Seekers Allowance
• Income related Employment Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit with a total annual income that does not exsceed £16,190
• Have a current SEN Statement or an Education, Health and Care plan or claim Disability Living Allowance for the child
• All 2 year olds that are looked after by the Local Authority, adopted, fostered or have a special guardianship order

If you are entitled to a place the Free Nursery Entitlement Officer can be contacted on 01429 284881.

Please note that the free nursery entitlement is not a guarantee of placement with a particular provider, it is a guarantee that a free place will be available for your child in Hartlepool.  
 
The local authority will carry out checks as part of their remit to ensure that a child is not claiming more than their full entitlement.
 
If you have any enquiries regarding your child’s free nursery entitlement, please contact the Children's Hub on 01429 284284.

This information has been provided directly by the organisation/ service provider. However, it is still always a good idea to contact them to check nothing has been changed.

Who to contact

Name

The Children's Hub

Telephone

01429 284284

Email

childrenshub@hartlepool.gov.uk

When is it on?

Date & Time Information

Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm (answerphone available outside of office hours)