About early education funding

Families in Herefordshire can access early education funding through any provider that meets the following criteria.

Eligibility requirements for providers

Families can use funded childcare hours with:

  • Any provider in Herefordshire that is:
    • Registered with Ofsted or a childminder agency
    • Approved by Herefordshire local authority
  • Providers in neighbouring English local authorities (Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire), provided they meet the same registration and approval criteria

This means parents have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of nurseries, preschools, and childminders, as long as those settings meet the regulatory standards.

Types of early education entitlements

  • 30 hours childcare. For eligible working families in England with children aged 9 months to 4 years.
  • 15 hours childcare. For all families in England with children aged 3 to 4 years.
  • 15 hours for 2 year olds receiving support. 15 hours early learning for families in England.

Ineligible settings

Funding cannot be used:

  • With providers located in Wales
  • For children living in Wales who wish to access funding at a Herefordshire provider

This restriction applies specifically to the expanded childcare offer for younger children (from 9 months old) attending providers in Wales, or for children living in Wales who wish to access funding within Herefordshire.