New funding will support schoolchildren from deprived backgrounds and improve early years education, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
County Durham is one of 10 areas to benefit from improved Government funding as part of changes to the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP).
Durham County Council will receive an additional £363 per child as part of a national test and learn programme, bringing the total funding up to £1,018 per child per year.
It comes after the EYPP was increased to £655 per child in April 2025 – a 45 per cent uplift intended to improve outcomes for children in low-income families.
Cathy Hunt, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are delighted to be part of the new test and learn programme, which will greatly support our targeted work, ensuring that children within our county have the best start in life.
“This boost in funding will mean that we can provide low-income families and disadvantaged children even more of a helping hand so they can flourish and build a future.”
Through the programme, the local authority will identify barriers faced by families and providers, simplify EYPP claims and payment processes, and work with the Department for Education to help design improvements to the system.
The council will also receive £50,000 to support administration and analytical work and share its data for independent evaluations.
It is hoped the programme will assess the different ways providers are making the most of the increased funding, which could be through staff training, resources, or activities, to improve take-up and effective use of the support.
The local authority will be able to access the additional EYPP funding from September.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
