Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) - frequently asked questions

After all ELC Applications

How else will you use my contact details?

Your contact details will be used by the ELC setting prior to your child starting. This may include advice about open days, sending you a copy of their ELC handbook and tips about transitioning into ELC.

Will there be a chance to visit the ELC setting?

Your ELC setting will be in touch with you directly with arrangements. 

When is my child eligible to start funded ELC?

If your child’s 3rd birthday is between 1st March and the day before the first in-service day of the new school term (so they are 3 by the start of term), they 
will be eligible from the start of that August term.  If they turn 3 between the first in-service day of the new school term in August and 28th February, they will 
be eligible to start the Monday after their 3rd birthday.

After applying online during Registration Week

What happens now that I have completed the online application?

Please check you have been sent a confirmation email to make sure we have received your application. Your application will go through a series of checks by our central team. Your information will be shared with your chosen ELC setting to allow them to start planning for the new academic session. 

I want to make a change to my ELC application, can I do this?

• Up to the last day of registration week:
  • Do not submit a duplicate application. Please find the confirmation email you were sent with the subject 'Incident' followed by your case reference number. You should reply to this email detailing the changes you wish to make. Please do not do this in reply to the other email (Subject 'ELC Registration - Application Received') as this mailbox is not monitored.
• From the Monday after registration week onwards:
  • Please contact the ELC setting you chose directly. Please be aware that any significant changes received from the Monday after registration week onwards, will move the application to the late application category. This will only impact you if the ELC setting is oversubscribed.

What happens if there are not enough spaces at my chosen setting?

Every effort will be made to meet your first choice, but this will depend on the number of places available and the category given to your application. If there are not enough places at your first choice ELC setting a ballot will be held using their admissions policy. If you are unsuccessful in the ballot for your first choice, you will be contacted for your 2nd choice. This may repeat until your child is allocated a space at an ELC setting.

My first choice ELC setting is going to ballot, what will happen?

A ballot involving ELC spaces will take place with a central Early Years team member present. Your ELC setting will have advised you beforehand of the date it will take place and if your application is in the ballot. You can view the ELC Admissions Policy that will be used to carry out the ballot on Page 14 of the ELC Information Booklet.

Following this:

1. The ELC setting will contact successful applicants about the details of the ELC placement secured.
2. The Early Years central team will be in touch with any unsuccessful applicants, to find out if they want to remain on the waiting list at the 1st choice setting, and what their 2nd choice ELC setting is. Remaining on the waiting list gives applicants priority for a space for the following academic year.
3. The application will be processed at the 2nd choice ELC setting, Early Years will advise the applicant of the outcome.

All applications in the area which were unsuccessful at a 1st choice setting, will be processed at the 2nd choice setting at the same time to ensure fairness. Applicants must ensure they return their 2nd choice when requested, by the deadline given.

When will I receive confirmation of my child’s placement?

If you have not been contacted for a second choice ELC setting, your first choice will have allocated you a space. Early Years will be in touch by email by the end of may with a final confirmation letter.

How will you use my contact details?

An automatic confirmation email of your submission will be sent to the applicants email address. The email provided will be used by the central team, to communicate any issues we have when reviewing your ELC application. Please make sure that after registration week you check your emails regularly, remembering your junk folder.