Funding

[emz31]

Is it true you can't apply for funding for under 3/4 years until your first grading inspection and then you have to get a good or outstanding to apply??x

[Mouse]

The guidance for LAs state that they should allow settings (including childminders) to access the funding for 3 and 4 year olds before they have their first graded inspection. The idea is that as Ofsted has just registered the setting they will have checked out their suitability to deliver the funded sessions.

Unfortunately LAs still seem to be applying their own conditions, so it might not always work as it should.

[Chatterbox Childcare]

You LA should be letter you register for the funding if you haven't been graded. Once registered you can accept funding from the following term. If they are saying this is not the case, ask them to refer to the direction of the DFE stating that you can.

[Simona]

Is it true you can't apply for funding for under 3/4 years until your first grading inspection and then you have to get a good or outstanding to apply??x

This is the DfE publication you need to refer your LA to if you have any problems with funding...look at pp10-11 in particular

Keep us posted with their reply as this has been flagged up as an issue of 'inconsistency' with lAs who vary from guidance

Good luck :thumbsup:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2