This article is based on the DfE's operational guide for local authority (LA) funding of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providers for the 2025-26 financial year.
What's the early years national funding formula (EYNFF)?
The EYNFF sets the hourly funding rates that each LA is paid to deliver the universal and additional entitlements for children aged between 9 months and 4 years.
The early years entitlements for 2025-26 are:
- 15 hours for eligible working parents of children from 9 months to 2 years old (increasing to 30 hours from 1 September 2025)
- 15 hours for eligible working parents of 2-year-old children (increasing to 30 hours from 1 September 2025)
- 15 hours for families of 2-year-olds receiving additional support (formerly known as the 2-year-old disadvantaged entitlement)
- 15 hours for all 3 and 4 year-olds
- 15 hours for eligible working parents of 3 and 4 year-olds