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3-4 year old funding
For families exploring childcare options for 3-4 year olds, we’ve compiled some key information to help you understand the funding available for your little one. Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know.
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15 hours childcare funding
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.
30 hours childcare funding
Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week. To qualify: Each parent must earn a minimum equivalent to 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage. Earnings will be under £100,000 adjusted net income/year.
Stretched funding hours
We understand the balancing act between work and family. That is why we offer the option to stretch your funded hours over up to 51 weeks instead of the standard 38, using fewer hours per week but over a longer period. This provides consistent childcare throughout the year, reducing the need for additional arrangements during school holidays and giving your child a steady routine that fits around your family's lifestyle. Take a look at the examples below.
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15 hours of stretched childcare funding
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.
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30 hours of stretched childcare funding
If you’re eligible for 30 hours of childcare funding, you can choose to stretch this for up to 51 weeks. In this case, your weekly hours would be around 22 hours.
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Essentials and extras
While government funding significantly offsets childcare costs, there may be additional fees for essentials and extras, such as all meals, nappies, wipes, sun cream, trips and extra curriculum. We’re committed to transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of all costs at your nursery visit. Please find out more via Essentials and Extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 age.
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 is 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.
You need to reconfirm your eligibility details on your gov.uk account every three months to continue receiving funding.
Yes, the funded hours can be flexibly used across one or more childcare providers, based on your needs.
The daily use of funded hours 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 will receive a code, which you need to share with your chosen nursery.
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