Families in Herefordshire can access funded education and childcare with any provider that meets the eligibility requirements below.

Eligible providers

Funded education and childcare hours can be used with:

• Providers in Herefordshire that are:
  • Registered with Ofsted or a registered childminder agency
  • Approved by Herefordshire Council
• Providers in neighbouring English local authority areas (Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire) that meet the same registration and approval requirements

This gives families the flexibility to choose from a range of nurseries, pre-schools and childminders, provided they meet the required 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 - Available for all families in England with children aged 3 to 4 years
• 15 hours for eligible 2 year olds - For families in England who meet the eligibility criteria for 15 hours of funded early education and childcare

Ineligible settings

The expanded childcare offer for children aged 9 months and over is not available:

• At childcare providers located in Wales
• For children who live in Wales and wish to access funding with a Herefordshire provider