More Children Than Expected Are Accessing Funded Places

More Children Than Expected Are Accessing Funded Places

According to the latest Department for Education data, 530,000 children are now accessing funded places, surpassing the government’s target of 500,000.

The figures are based on the number of early education and childcare eligibility codes issued and validated following the rollout of the final phase of the early entitlement expansion. 

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson commented: “When we launched the 30 hours childcare expansion at the start of September, we said around half a million families were on track to benefit. Today’s figures show we have gone even further. 

“It is fantastic to see our Plan for Change delivering for families – helping them save up to £7,500 a year per child on childcare costs and supporting parents to balance work and home life. This is real cost-of-living relief that families can feel in their pockets today.’’

However, there is concern that younger children are not accessing the expansion as much as was hoped. While government figures show that 91% of funded entitlement codes issued so far have been validated, this falls to just 81% for children aged 9- to 12-months old. That means that one in five families of 9- to 12-month-olds have not had their eligibility codes validated.

This raises questions over capacity in the early years sector to provide appropriate places and settings for that age group.

Furthermore, across the sector concern has been raised as to whether just focussing on the percentage take up for children over 12 months risks overlooking whether placements for children are meeting their specific needs and those of their families and carers. For example, whether parents have been able to access all the sessions they want, on the days they want, at the setting of their choice that suits the needs of their child. 

Sources and more information:

1. https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/expansion-to-early-childcare-entitlements-eligibility-codes-issued-and-validated/2025-september
2. https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/news-events/news/dfe-releases-new-funded-entitlement-take-up-figures-following-final-phase-of-expansion/