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.

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Additional funding: Disability Access Fund, Early Years Pupil Premium and SEN Inclusion Fund

For children aged from 9 months to 4 years and who accessing the funded entitlements, some forms of additional funding could be available to families and providers if the eligibility criteria is met. See the applicable guidance pages for further details and how to apply:

  • Disability Access Fund (DAF) - providers could receive a one-off payment of £938 per calendar year for each eligible child that could aid in making reasonable adjustments at the setting and improve accessibility to funded places.
  • Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) - can give providers additional funding to support children for families receiving additional support when accessing the funded entitlements.
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Inclusion Fund on Staffordshire Connects -  is intended to enable local authorities to work with early years providers to meet the needs of individual children with SEN to support children’s learning and development.