Eligibility for the grant and general information
The Nursery Education Grant is available for all 3 and 4 year olds regardless of financial circumstances or nationality.
Eligibility to receive the grant starts the term AFTER the child’s third birthday.
The eligibility dates are as follows:
|
3rd Birthday on or before: |
Eligible from: |
|
31st December |
Spring term (January – April) |
|
31 March |
Summer Term (April – July) |
|
31 August |
Autumn Term (Sept – Dec) |
Every Nursery Education Provider (playgroup, pre-school, private nursery or Independent school) supplies full details of all eligible children to the Leicester City Council, and the grant is paid directly to the provider based on this data.
The Provider will deduct the amount of the grant from any fees being charged to parents.
Each eligible child will be funded Nursery Education Grant up to a maximum of 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per academic year.
The funded weeks varies each term and generally run parallel to school terms, although the Providers can decide the exact dates. Parents should ask their Provider for full details of term dates and funded weeks.
The provider must see evidence of the date of birth and identity of each child - usually a birth certificate or a medical card. This verifies the eligibility of the child to receive the grant.
Funding
Funding is paid directly to the provider in two instalments - one at the start of term and one before the end of term.
A child is only eligible to receive each payment if they are enrolled at the setting on or before the ‘headcount’ date at the start of each half of term.
The appropriate amount must be deducted by the nursery education provider from any fees that the parents are paying.
Any payments made for children that are subsequently found to have been ineligible will have to be recovered by Leicester City Council.
Charges
Parents should be under no obligation to purchase any additional items that are usually offered, but should be given the choice if they wish to do so.
The parents’ choice whether to purchase any additional items or services should make no difference to their take up of the free Nursery Education entitlement.
Providers can make a reasonable charge for meals provided to children during the day. However, providers must ensure that they do not place any conditions of access on the entitlement including payment for meals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a place for my child?
You can call Children Information Services (CIS) on 0116 2254890 or 0800 952 5678 (free phone) or you can visit the setting you would like your child to attend.
Can I split the funding?
Yes. If a child is attending 2 different settings it is very important that both providers are made aware of this. It is still only possible to claim up to a total of 15 hours, but the parents must decide how many hours are claimed for at each setting, and then inform both settings of their decision.
If a child is attending an LEA school as well as a private or voluntary nursery, the funding can be split, as long as no more than 15 hours per week are claimed for in total.
Can I still claim if I live outside of Leicester City?
Children who live outside of Leicester City can still claim NEG funding within the city.
Are children of asylum seekers eligible to receive the grant?
Yes, children of asylum seekers are eligible to receive the grant as it is available for all 3 and 4 year olds regardless of financial circumstances or nationality.
Is any additional support available for children with special needs?
Yes, a child with a statement of special needs may be able to claim for 15 hours at a setting even if they do not attend for the full 15 hours. The funding must be used to support the child’s nursery education.
Additionally, with permission from the Early Years Support Team, a child with special educational needs may be able to claim for 21 hours of funding per week in total.
For more information about eligibility and the responsibilities of providers please contact the Early Prevention Service.
Early Years Service
10 York Road,
Leicester,
LE1 5TS
Tel: 0116 229 4385
Email: early.years@leicester.gov.uk
You can also request information using our online enquiry form.
