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Early Years Pupil Premium

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) 

The EYPP is additional funding intended to improve the educational outcomes of socio‑economically disadvantaged children who access their free early years entitlements in an early years setting. Local authorities distribute this funding to settings. 

Local Funding  

  • Providers could claim an additional £1.15 per hour per eligible child, for up to 15 hours per week, up to 38 weeks a year to support quality provision 

  • Providers claiming EYPP can also claim £1.15 per hour under the deprivation supplement for funded 3 and 4 year olds, up to 30 hours per week, 38 weeks a year 

  • This money could be used for enhancing the environment and investment in staff training (CPD page)

  • Ofsted monitor the impact of this funding at inspection 

Please note that the guidance on this page is aimed specifically at registered early years providers in the private, voluntary, community and independent sector in the City. 

Further information on payment of the EYPP can be found in the latest Provider Agreement on our main funding page and all queries relating to the EYPP in schools should be directed to eyfunding@nottinghamcity.gov.uk  

What Settings/Childminders Need to Know About EYPP Use 

How settings should use EYPP 

Settings must use EYPP funding to improve the quality of their early years provision for eligible children. This includes: 

  • Implementing evidence informed strategies to promote progress and development 

  • Targeted support or interventions linked to specific needs 

  • Professional development for staff that strengthens teaching quality 

  • Curriculum improvements, especially for communication and early literacy  

Settings have discretion in spending as long as decisions are: 

  • Needs based 

  • Focused on improving outcomes 

  • Monitored for impact 

(These principles are also validated by Ofsted guidance on evaluating EYPP use during inspection How we look at the use of Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) in our inspections of early years settings )

What Settings/Childminders should do: 

  • Identify eligible children promptly 

  • Plan spending strategically, with a clear rationale 

  • Align EYPP use with school readiness goals and the EYFS (linked to the Best Start in Life Strategy) 

  • Keep simple but robust records of spending and evidence of impact 

  • Work closely with families to support attendance and home learning 

Examples of Effective EYPP Use 

(These examples reflect typical approaches from DfE and Ofsted‑referenced practice Practical tips on allocating EYPP funding) 

Enhancing teaching quality 

  • Staff training in early communication & language approaches 

  • Coaching or mentoring to improve practitioner interactions 

Targeted interventions 

  • Small‑group work to support speech, language, emotional regulation or early maths 

  • Individualised support for specific developmental areas 

Wider learning experiences 

  • Enrichment activities otherwise unavailable to the child (e.g., visits, workshops) 

Strengthening home learning 

  • Lending libraries for books or resources 

  • Workshops for parents on supporting learning 

Kiddy Winks Pre-School

Klever Kids Day Nursery

Pretty Windows Day Nursery

 

 

Recommended spending approaches are set out in the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Guide to the Early Years Pupil Premium. This offers practical, evidence-informed advice for setting leaders on maximising the use of EYPP in their context. 

How Ofsted Considers EYPP 

Ofsted inspectors look for: 

  • Whether settings know which children receive EYPP 

  • How leaders decide on spending and evaluate impact 

  • Evidence of improved outcomes for eligible children 

  • High‑quality provision experienced by disadvantaged children 

FAQs 

Question 

Key Answer 

What can EYPP be spent on? 

Anything that demonstrably improves outcomes for eligible children—staff CPD, targeted interventions, resources, curriculum development.  

Can EYPP be pooled? 

Yes—settings may work collaboratively if it enhances provision (e.g., pooled training), as long as impact can be evidenced. (DfE general EYPP principles) 

Do settings need to report impact? 

Yes. Settings must show how EYPP has improved outcomes. Ofsted reviews this.  

Can funding support wider family needs? 

Only when those activities directly support children’s educational outcomes (e.g., home learning workshops).  

Key Messages for Settings 

  • EYPP must reduce disadvantage and must not be used for general budget shortfalls. 

  • Funding is small but impactful when used strategically. 

  • Decisions should be intentional, evidence-informed, and linked to assessment. 

  • Impact should be reviewed termly and inform ongoing planning. 

  • Strong partnership with parents amplifies impact. 

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