Information and guidance regarding FEEE1W and FEEE2W

Upcoming changes to childcare support

From April 2024, existing childcare support will be expanded in phases. By September 2025, most working families with children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support.

The changes are being introduced gradually to make sure that providers can meet the needs of more families:

from April 2024, eligible working parents will be able to access 15 hours funded childcare from the term after the child turns 2 years old
from September 2024, eligible working parents will be able to access 15 hours funded childcare from the term after the child turns 9 months old
from September 2025, eligible working parents will be able to access 30 hours funded childcare from the term after the child turns 9 months old

Like the existing offer, depending on the childcare providers offer, these hours can be used over 38 weeks of the year (during school term time), or up to 52 weeks using fewer hours per week.

How do families apply?

From 2nd January 2024, eligible working families will be able to submit their applications for 15 hours funded childcare for 2 years olds via Childcare Choices. The will be given a code, usually beginning 50, which they can then give to their childcare provider. Parents will be required to review every 3 months via their Childcare Choices portal.

Under 3s capital expansion grant

Starting from April 2024, existing childcare support will be expanded in phases. By September 2025, most working families with children under the age of five, will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support.

Essex County Council have received £2,857,359 in Capital funding to provide 30 hours funded childcare for eligible families from the term after they turn 9 months old by September 2025. This funding will be used to support early years providers to create additional 0-3 year old childcare places. The advertisement process for this funding has closed. Please look out for any further updates on funding via the website, weekly EYS communications or contact childcare.expansion@essex.gov.uk for any further questions.

What is capital funding?

This means building work, decoration, and the installation of fixed assets. It does not fund furniture or unfixed play resources.

What could you do with capital funding to create additional provision?

Remodel some unused space
Improve accessibility to your provision more inclusive for children with additional needs or a disability
Expand your current building to create new provision for future demand
Add an extra toilet
Make more of your outdoor space

How much can you apply for?

You can apply for £3,500 per additional childcare place created in the allocated areas outlined in the specifications below. There are a maximum number of places you can apply for in each ward

*Please note you can now also apply if your setting falls outside of the ward, but you are able to demonstrate that your provision will serve children within the outlined ward.

For any further queries or information please contact childcare.expansion@essex.gov.uk

The application for funding form is for applicants to apply for one or both funding opportunities.