Funding for the Early Years and Childcare Entitlement

Early Years Funding Rates and Payments 2025/2026

Funding rates are approved annual, providers should refer to Early Years Funding Rate Briefing Document 2025-2026

If you have any questions, please email Early Years Finance at earlyyearsfinance@bolton.gov.uk

Funding Rates

 

Payment Schedule

  • Monthly payments for funded hours
  • Termly payments for EYPP and DAF
  • Payments are based on validated headcount data

Providers must:

  • Submit headcounts by published deadlines

 

Process for Payment

The table below outlines the funding streams; funding amount; frequency of payments and contact information for further support with any aspect of funding. 

Contact information

Email: earlyyearsfinance@bolton.gov.uk 

Telephone: 01204 337169

Funding Stream

Frequency of Payments

9 months - 2 years (Under 2s)

  • Working Parent 30 hours
  • Includes any deprivation supplement due

Monthly payment - 2nd Thursday

2 Year Olds

  • 2-year-old working parent 30 hours
  • Early Learning for 2-year-olds 15 hours
  • Includes any deprivation supplement due

Monthly Payment - 3rd Thursday

3 and 4-year-olds

  • Universal 15 hours
  • Working parent 15 hours
  • Includes any deprivation supplement due

Monthly Payment - 2nd Thursday

Quality Supplement 

  • Settings with a Qualified Teacher (QTS)

Single - Mid Term

Early Years Pupil Premium

  • Paid on first 15 hours only (for eligible children)

Single - Mid Term

Early Years SEN Inclusion Fund (SENIF)

Single - Mid Term

Disability Access Funding (DAF)

Single - ad hoc