Buckinghamshire’s Early Years Service have a rolling programme of audits for all our funded providers. These audits are needed so that we ensure that funding is claimed correctly, and that appropriate and compliant records are being kept by our providers. Audits are also to help us support providers and ensure that the funding policies in place are robust enough for possible parental challenge.

We will also always audit providers that are permanently closing, have their ownership changing, or have made the decision to cease childminding.

The audit process

The majority of audits are undertaken virtually by asking providers to upload the requested documents via their Anycomms account. These documents will include, for example, copies of attendance registers, an Admissions & Fees policy, and copies of invoices for selected funded children. Whilst the audit is being carried out, we may contact you if anything we have requested is missing, if we have any queries, or require further documentation/evidence. Once the audit is completed a report will be sent to the provider which will include our findings and any recommendations. Some audits maybe carried out in person at your setting at a mutually agreed time.

From January 2026 an audit will also include checking a provider's website or Buckinghamshire Family Information Service record to ensure they are compliant with regards to the DfE mandatory regulations.

For further information regarding funding audits please refer to Section 2.4 of Buckinghamshire’s Local Guidance.