Read Academy Early Years is open:
● Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 3:00pm
● Closed on weekends and bank holidays..

Eligible Age Groups
‍We offer funded early education places for:
● 3- and 4-year-olds (universal 15 hours and extended 30 hours, subject to eligibility)

‍Type of Funded Offer
‍In line with Redbridge local authority guidance, Read Academy Early Years offers:
‍Term-time only places – [e.g. 38 weeks per year]

Maximum Funded Hours
● Up to 15 funded hours per week (universal entitlement))
● Up to 30 funded hours per week (extended entitlement for eligible working parents/carers)
The maximum funded entitlement available is 30 hours per week, subject to eligibility and availability.

‍When Funded Hours Can Be Taken
‍Funded hours can be accessed during the following times: 
Monday to Friday between 8:00am - 3:00pm
Funded hours may be taken as:
● Full days
● Half days (AM / PM)
● Sessions agreed with the setting.
Funded hours cannot be used outside the agreed funded sessions.

In line with Redbridge Early Education Funding rules, no charges are made for the funded hours themselves.
Any additional charges relate only to optional extras and are not a condition of accessing a funded place.

3.1 Additional (Non-Funded) Hours
‍Where parents/carers choose to book hours beyond their funded entitlement:
‍Cost: £7 per hour
‍
3.2 Food and Meals
● Fruit and milk: povided daily, free of charge.
Food is offered as an optional extra:
● Lunch: freshly prepared hot meal – £3 per meal
Parents/carers may choose to:
● Purchase meals provided by the setting, or
● Provide their own food
‍
‍3.3 Additional Voluntary Services
‍Optional additional services may include:
● Extra-curricular activities (e.g. music, physical activity sessions)
● Special workshops or events
‍Cost: Varies per activity 
Participation in these services is voluntary and not linked to access to a funded place.

Parents/carers using Read Academy Early Years may be able to access additional financial support:

Tax-Free Childcare
‍● Government top-up of 20% on childcare costs
● Up to £2,000 per child per year
‍● Apply via HMRC and nominate Read Academy Early Years as your provider
‍
‍Universal Credit – Childcare Costs
● Eligible families can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs
● Claims are made through your Universal Credit online account
We are happy to support parents/carers with information on how to access these schemes.

If you do not wish to pay for specific chargeable extras, for example because you wish to provide your own food or consumables, please speak to our Early Years Funding Officer, who will discuss the next steps and agree suitable arrangements in line with Redbridge funding guidance.

For further information about funded entitlements, charges, or attendance patterns, please contact:
‍
‍Early Years Funding Officer
Email: eyfsfunding@readacademy.co.uk