Early Education and Childcare Entitlements Statutory Guidance

The Early Education and Childcare Entitlements Statutory Guidance from April 2025

• Statutory guidance: Early education and childcare (effective from 1 April 2025) - GOV.UK

Department for Education (DfE) frequently asked questions can be found here: 

• The Early Education and Childcare Entitlements Statutory Guidance - Frequently Asked Questions about charging
• The Early Education and Childcare Entitlements Statutory Guidance - Frequently Asked Questions for Childminders about charging

Bolton Start Well are working with our legal teams to update the Early Years Funded Entitlement funding agreements. We are utilising the transition period to ensure all updates are in place for January 2026.

We are keen to work with providers and schools to facilitate and support them to implement the changes, following the Statutory Guidance by sharing best practice and ways providers can meet the expectations and be ready for January 2026.

If you are interested in working with us as part of a consultation group, please email startwell@bolton.gov.uk with the subject title EY consultation group.

We are also exploring how we can consult with parents to support understanding and expectations of these changes and what to expect when applying for Early education and childcare places.