For families exploring childcare options, we’ve compiled some key information to help you understand the funding available for your little ones. Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know.
All parents of children aged 3 to 4 years are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare or early education per week for 38 weeks of the year, totalling up to 570 hours annually.
This funding can be used flexibly with one or more providers until your child begins school.
For Working Families
Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
To qualify:
Understanding the balancing act between work and family, we offer the option to ‘stretch’ your funded hours over up to 51 weeks instead of the standard 38 weeks. This means using fewer hours per week but over a longer period. Take a look at the examples below.
Traditionally allocated over the 38 weeks of term time, you have the option to extend this schedule to cover up to a 51-week period. By doing so, the weekly hours adjust to approximately 11 hours.
This extended schedule provides consistent childcare support throughout the year, reducing the need for additional arrangements during school holidays.
This flexible approach ensures that your child enjoys a consistent routine while you benefit from a childcare schedule that aligns with your family’s unique lifestyle and commitments.
While government funding significantly offsets childcare costs, there may be additional fees for essential extras, such as all meals, nappies, wipes, suncream, trips and extra curriculum. We’re committed to transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of all costs at your nursery visit.
At Family First, we go beyond just providing childcare; we ensure you’re connected to your child’s developmental journey every step of the way. Here’s a unique advantage our families enjoy:
With our dedicated online app, you have the power to stay updated on your child’s progress throughout the day. Whether you’re curious about their meal times, sleep patterns, or the various activities they’re engaged in, all this information is at your fingertips. Accessible whenever you need, our app ensures you’re always in the loop, fostering a deeper connection between you, your child, and our nursery.
Find out more: 15 hours childcare funding
For working families: Apply for 30 hours childcare
Yes, 15 hours of childcare is available for all families in England.
Check your eligibility and apply online through the government’s website.
Funding continues until your child begins compulsory school or reaches the statutory school
You should apply for your funding code up to 3 months before you plan to use the childcare service, keeping in mind that the funding code cannot be used in the same term it’s applied for.
Yes, self-employed parents are eligible for funded childcare, provided they meet the minimum income requirements through their self-employment.
If you have more than one job, combine your earnings from all employment to see if you meet the eligibility criteria, specifically the minimum of 16 hours per week at the national minimum wage and a maximum annual income of £100,000.
For irregular income, use the average of your expected earnings over the current tax year to determine eligibility.
Yes, having a National Insurance Number is a prerequisite for applying for funded childcare.
Absolutely, the 15/30 hours funding can be used in conjunction with other childcare support schemes like Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare, offering greater financial flexibility.
The ‘stretching’ option allows you to spread your funded hours over more weeks by using fewer hours each week, providing increased flexibility to match your family’s schedule.
Yes, the funded hours can be flexibly used across one or more childcare providers, based on your needs.
The daily use of funded hours at Family First depends on the nursery’s availability and opening hours. The funding is allocated on a pro-rata basis across the year, rather than by specific days.
Unfortunately, hours are allocated on a pro-rata basis throughout the year, maintaining a consistent weekly routine regardless of holidays or sickness.
Please discuss your needs with the nursery manager as soon as possible. They will do their best to accommodate additional bookings, which will incur a non-funded charge.
Fees vary due to differing operational costs across geographical locations, impacting the charges between our various nurseries.
If successful, you’ll receive a code, which you need to share with your chosen nursery.
