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.