Additional Funding

Some children may be entitled to extra financial support on top of the standard Government-funded childcare hours. Known as Additional Funding, this support is designed to help nurseries enhance learning experiences, provide more tailored support and ensure every child has the best possible start.

Schemes such as the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) and the Disability Access Fund (DAF) give us extra resources to invest in high-quality teaching, specialist equipment, staff training, or targeted activities — all aimed at helping children thrive.

At Cherubs Nurseries, we’re committed to using this funding effectively and transparently, making sure it directly benefits the children who need it most. If you think your child may be eligible, or if you’d like help understanding the criteria, we’re always here to guide you through the process.

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)

Some two, three and four years olds are eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP). From April 2015, nurseries, schools, childminders and other childcare providers have been able to claim extra funding through the Early Years Pupil Premium to support children’s development, learning and care.

We can use the extra funding in any way we choose, to improve the quality of the early years education that we provide for your child. This could include, for example, additional training for our staff on early language, resources to support home learning, investing in a partnership working with our colleagues in the area to further our expertise or supporting our staff in working on specialised areas such as speech and language.

The money is paid directly to us by the Local Authority. Our Head of Nursery and SENDCo have forms to enable you to apply for the funding or can give you the number of the Local Authority so that you can check your eligibility. Families may be eligible if they are receiving any of the following:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support from NASS (National Asylum Support Service) under Part 6of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual income of no more than £16,190
  • Working Tax Credit run-on
  • Universal Credit

It is well documented that high quality early education can influence how well a child does at both primary and secondary school and so we want to make the most of this additional funding. This could make a real difference to your child’s learning and development.

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is extra Government support designed to help nurseries, pre-schools and childcare settings make sure children with disabilities or special educational needs have full access to their early years’ provision. This funding means that we can make sure your child’s needs are supported right from the start – whether that’s through specialist resources, extra staff support, or adapting the nursery environment so your child can engage fully alongside their peers. It’s our way of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As a parent/carer, if you believe your child is eligible, you should inform your Head of Nursery or SENDCo, and provide evidence of the DLA award. We will then apply for the DAF on your child’s behalf (they are the ones who receive the payment).