Early learning and childcare: statutory guidance - July 2021

Funded early learning and childcare entitlement delivered without the payment of fees

83. Under section 33(1) of the 2000 Act, the entitlement to funded early learning and childcare must be provided without the payment of fees, including where this is delivered through a third party (i.e. providers in the private, third or childminding sectors), under a section 35 arrangement. This means that:

• parents are not asked to make any upfront payment, including a deposit or any other payment, in respect of the funded early learning and childcare entitlement;
• no top-up fees are charged to parents relating to the funded early learning and childcare entitlement; and
• parents are not required to purchase additional hours beyond the funded early learning and childcare entitlement in order to access their child's funded early learning and childcare entitlement.