Early years pupil premium (EYPP)

The early years pupil premium (EYPP) came into effect in April 2015 following a national consultation. It builds on the model of the school age pupil premium and is focused on 3 and 4-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The aim of the premium is to close the attainment gap between those that attract the funding and their peers.  It is paid directly to providers so they can make sure eligible children have the best possible outcomes.

All Ofsted registered childcare providers that offer three and four years old early education are eligible to claim EYPP.

To claim, a provider must collect parent/carer details and seek consent via the claim form, and then insert these details on the child record in the funding module of the provider portal.  Once submitted, an eligibility check will be completed by the local authority if consent has been confirmed as sought.

The eligibility check establishes if families or children meet certain national criteria.  Once eligibility is verified an EYPP payment will processed for each universal hour funded by the local authority for the 3 or 4-year-old. 

An initial estimate payment is paid at the start of each claim period and any balance due, paid at the end.  Once a provider starts receiving the premium for a specific child, this will continue until universal funding entitlement payments cease.

The funding if received, must be used to enhance the experience of the child by improving the teaching and learning, facilities, and/or resources, so that there is a positive impact to their progress and development. 

The Department for Education have created templates to help providers identify which children are eligible for EYPP.

If inspected by Ofsted, providers will need to evidence the impact of this funding on children’s progress, how effectively leaders have used the additional funding and measure its impact on narrowing gaps in children’s outcomes.

Download our help guides for more information about EYPP.