Frequently asked questions for childcare providers

These frequently asked questions will advise providers on how they can offer early education funded (EEF) places. Providers should also refer to the current Provider Agreement 2025.

Contents

What must providers do when a parent gives them a Think2 or Working Parent Entitlement Code?

Think2

Providers should add Staffordshire codes to the parent declaration and privacy notice and submit the claim in the next applicable headcount task. 

Working parent entitlements

Providers must validate all eligibility before they can claim for the applicable funded hours. This is done via the online EY Portal account where you will also find user guides for validating codes and claiming.

The dates of the working parent entitlement code being valid will not necessarily be when funding can start from, this is because funding starts from the term after an application is made to childcare choices and child is age eligible. Providers must check and confirm when the funded hours start date commences. Applicable information should be added to the parent declaration form and submit the claim in the next relevant headcount task.