EYFS: funding entitlements

Get to grips with the funding you're entitled to for 3 and 4 year-olds in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Understand the difference between universal and additional entitlements when it comes to the early years national funding formula (EYNFF).

Last reviewed on 8 June 2023See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: Nursery, PrimaryRef: 31916
Contents
  1. What's the early years national funding formula (EYNFF)? 
  2. Additional funding for maintained nursery schools confirmed for 2023-24
  3. Other funding entitlements - what you need to know
  4. The DfE funds LAs on the same basis for both types of entitlement 
  5. Your LA must consult you about setting a local formula
  6. SEN inclusion fund (SENIF) 
  7. Disability access fund (DAF) 
  8. The early years pupil premium (EYPP)

This article is based on the DfE's operational guide and technical note for local authority (LA) funding of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providers for 2023-24.

What's the early years national funding formula (EYNFF)? 

The early years national funding formula (EYNFF) sets the hourly funding rates that each local authority (LA) is paid to deliver the universal and additional 15-hour entitlements for 3 and 4 year-olds.

Find these funding rates, as well as the separate formula that sets the hourly funding rates for 2 year-olds, in the Education and Skills Funding Agency's (ESFA's) step-by-step calculations spreadsheet.

Additional funding for maintained nursery schools confirmed for 2023-24

For 2023-24, the DfE