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Childcare places and funding

Parents can apply for childcare places on offer in Walsall in a variety of ways. The information below tells you how parents can apply for different types of childcare and if there is any eligibility criteria which needs to be met. 

Childcare places and entitlements

  • Both parents/carers need to be working, eligibility criteria apply
  • Parents apply for funding at the Best Start in Life parent hub
  • Parents will give you an 11 digit code, which is generated upon application. This code must be re-confirmed in advance of every term.
  • Parents can apply for up to 85% of childcare costs.
  • They apply for this funding with their Universal Credit account.
  • Both parents/carers need to be working, eligibility criteria apply.
  • 15 hours from September 2024. Increases to 30 hours from September 2025.
  • Parents apply for funding at the Best Start in Life parent hub
  • Parents will give you an 11 digit code, which is generated upon application. This code must be re-confirmed in advance of every term.

Two years old - places and funding

  • Both parents/carers need to be working, eligibility criteria apply.
  • 15 hours from September 2024. Increases to 30 hours from September 2025.
  • Parents apply for funding at the Best Start in Life parent hub
  • Parents will give you an 11 digit code, which is generated upon application. This code must be re-confirmed in advance of every term.
  • Eligibility criteria for lower income families.
  • Parents apply via Walsall Families Information Service.
  • Parents are given a 5-digit code to use at a Walsall registered provider, this remains valid until the child receives Early Education funding for 3-Year-olds.
  • Foster parents – we will supply you with a code for foster carers. You can contact us for more information.

Three to four years old - places and funding

All children are entitled to 15 hours funding the term after they turn 3 years old. No code is needed for this.

  • Both parents/carers need to be working, eligibility criteria apply.
  • Parents apply for funding at the Best Start in Life parent hub
  • Parents will give you an 11 digit code, which is generated upon application. This code must be re-confirmed in advance of every term.

Childcare Choices Toolkit for childcare providers

Childcare Choices have produced a toolkit to help you promote and explain childcare options and funding to parents. It includes email templates, leaflets, posters and social media content. Find out more about the resources in the Childcare Choices Toolkit.

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) 

EYPP funding may be available for some children in your setting. Parents can apply to claim this extra funding for the setting their child is attending. Find out more about the eligibility criteria for families who can claim EYPP.

How to claim EYPP funding

All schools and early years settings must use the Synergy Portal to submit EYPP eligibility information for all nursery-aged and younger children, including those accessing the universal 15-hour entitlement.

  1. Ask parents to complete the Parental Declaration Form as this includes consent for an eligibility check. The form relates to your Provider Agreement and should be completed during registration. Completed forms must be stored securely in line with data protection requirements. Do not return to us.
  2. Enter the required information into the Synergy Provider Portal.
  3. Tick the EYPP box, for every child, just in case they qualify

Funding is only paid to the main provider on the first 15 funded hours, if the hours are split between two providers, it is up to the parents to determine who is the main provider. This allows us to check which children are eligible for EYPP. It ensures funding is only claimed once per eligible child. 

Post Looked After Children (PLAC)

Children may be eligible for EYPP if they left care under: ​

  • An Adoption Order ​
  • A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) ​
  • A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) ​

Parents or carers must provide official documentary evidence confirming the child’s legal status (Adoption Order, SGO, or CAO).

Settings must retain this evidence securely in line with data‑protection requirements.​

  • Income checks are not required for PLAC eligibility.​
  • Eligibility must still be recorded accurately on the Synergy Portal. Providers should add in the notes to the portal confirming the child is PLAC, including: ​
    • The PLAC start date – the date the legal order was granted.​
    • The authorising authority – the local authority responsible for the child immediately before the adoption/SGO/CAO​

In all cases, enter the data into the Synergy Provider Portal so we can verify eligibility and process funding.

Technical support for the Synergy Provider Portal

You can email us for help with:

  • creating a new user account
  • resetting your password
  • problems with access
  • general technical queries

Early years funding entitlement and childcare - Walsall Families Information Service (FIS)

Early Years Funding Entitlement and Childcare Transcript

Introduction

Welcome to Walsall Council's guide to Early Years Funding Entitlement and Childcare, through Walsall Families Information Service.

From day nurseries to childminders and pre-school playgroups, we offer free, impartial information about choosing and paying for childcare. Whether you need full-time care or just a few hours, we’ve got you covered.

Early learning is important. It helps children make friends, communicate, and be school-ready. It also helps them learn new words and have new experiences. All this makes learning fun and helps them do well in the future.

3 – 4 years old

All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to up to 15 hours of free early learning each week during term time. This support begins from the term after their third birthday. It’s a fantastic opportunity that will give your child a strong educational foundation.

2-year-olds

Some 2-year-olds may also qualify for free early learning through the Time 2 Start scheme, depending on eligibility criteria.

These include factors such as income-related support, Universal Credit and unique family circumstances. Looked-after children and children with special educational needs or disabilities, in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, may also be eligible.

We can guide you through the application process and help you gather the necessary documentation to secure your child’s place. Select the Time 2 Start link to start your application for funding for 2-year-olds.

Working Parents

Eligible working parents could get 30 hours of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years. To qualify, each parent must work at least 16 hours per week and earn less than £100,000 annually. Check your eligibility using the Childcare support checker on the Best Start in Life website to see what funding you are entitled to.

Additional Support

We also signpost parents to explore additional support from Family Hubs, Free School Meals, and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. These resources can enhance your child’s development and support your parenting journey.

Need help with anything that has been covered in this video? Please contact Walsall Families Information Service on 01922 653383, or email WalsallFIS@walsall.gov.uk.

Got a question? Ask WALIS, our chatbot, on Walsall.gov.uk.

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