Announcement:

   

03/11/2026 - 10:00

PLEASE NOTE - Working Family checks, including Foster Care code creation, are now available on the new ECE system via DfE Sign in. The ECS will be fully decommissioned later in the month.

 

Welcome

Welcome to the ECS.

Welcome to the Eligibility Checking System.

This site allows you to perform queries for checking eligibility for:
  • Childcare for Working Parents (this applies to England only)

To perform checks for free school meals, use the Manage eligibility for free school meals service.

To perform checks for early years pupil premium and early learning for 2-year-olds, use the Manage eligibility for childcare support service.

You will need a DfE Sign-in account to use these services.


Note: This system is for use by invitation only. By continuing to use this system you are agreeing to any criteria outlined in your invitation.

If you are a Local Authority user of the ECS and require assistance, please contact the Customer Help Portal. On the main page of enquiry options, please select ‘Get help with DfE services’ then continue. On the next page, please select ‘Eligibility Checking Service’ then continue.

Knowledge Hub – Previously Communities of Practice

To network and share experiences with colleagues using the Eligibility Checking Service and for ideas about how to get applications online and maximise take up, you can visit the Knowledge Hub which is part of the Local Government Association website at: khub.net/lga.