National Standard for early learning and childcare
'Funding follows the child' ensures that the funded early learning and childcare (ELC) entitlement is delivered in high quality settings. It is underpinned by a national standard that all settings – regardless of whether they are in the public, private, third or childminding sectors – that wish to deliver funded ELC have to meet.
It means that parents and carers – including those of eligible two year olds – are able to choose to use their child’s entitlement at any ELC provider that:
- meets the national standard
- has a place available
- is willing to enter into a contract with the local authority
The national standard sets out what children and families should expect from their ELC experience regardless of where they access their child’s funded hours.
All ELC providers are required to demonstrate that they meet the national standard before they can access funding to deliver the funded hours, whether they are in the public, private or third sectors or are childminders.
Local authorities are responsible for assessing and monitoring compliance with the national standard in all funded providers.
Updated ‘Funding Follows the Child’ and ‘National Standard Operating Guidance’ was published in December 2023.
Read more about our approach and the national standard in : Funding follows the child' and the national standard of early learning and childcare providers: principles and practice
Helping early learning and childcare providers meet the national standard
We have published operating guidance detailing how settings delivering the funded ELC entitlement can meet the national standard.
We have also published a frequently asked questions document for local authorities and funded providers.
Supporting technical guidance is also available covering business sustainability, sustainable rates and transition options guidance on contracting.