We are pleased to accept all UK government-funded childcare schemes, operating up to 38 weeks per year, aligned with term-time regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the available funding options and how they work:
🧒 Universal 15 Hours (3 & 4-year-olds)
- Available to all families, regardless of income.
- Eligible from the term after your child turns three (Spring, Summer, or Autumn term)
- You simply declare your child’s details and the provider handles the setup.
👶 Disadvantaged 15 Hours (2-year-olds)
- For some 2-year-olds from low-income families or with special needs/EHC plans.
- Entitlement triggers the term after they turn two
- Eligibility based on benefits (e.g., Universal Credit under ~£15,400), SEN, disability living allowance, or being in local council care
💼 Working Families: Extended 30 Hours (3 & 4-year-olds)
- Provides 30 hours for eligible working parents, combining 15 universal + 15 extended hours.
- Both parents (or sole parent) must earn between the equivalent of 16 hours at the Minimum/Living Wage and under £100,000 per year
- Applies from the term after your child turns three. Eligibility renews every 3 months via HMRC
🍼 Emerging 30-Hour Scheme (9 months – 2 years)
- Phased rollout since April 2024, fully extended by September 2025.
- Offers 15–30 funded hours depending on age and parental work status for children aged 9 months to 2 or 3 years
Other Funding & Support Schemes
| Scheme | What it Offers | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Tax-Free Childcare | Government pays £2 for every £8 saved, up to £2,000/year (£4,000 if disabled) | Working parents earning under £100,000, NI number, child under 11 (16 if disabled) |
| Universal Credit & Tax Credits | Can cover up to 85% of childcare costs | Requires government approval; income-based eligibility rules |
| Childcare Vouchers (Closed Scheme) | Legacy tax-efficient system — no longer available to new users after Oct 2018 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria Summary
- Universal 15 hrs (3 & 4‑yr‑olds): All families
- Disadvantaged 15 hrs (2‑yr‑olds): Based on benefits, SEN/EHC, or local council care
- Extended 30 hrs (3 & 4‑yr‑olds): Working status + income thresholds + NI number + immigration/residency conditions
- 9 mo–2 yr rollout: As above, launching through 2025
📝 How to Apply & Use the Funding
- Check eligibility on Childcare Choices.
- Apply online via GOV.UK, especially for extended 30 hrs and Tax-Free Childcare
- Share eligibility codes with us as your provider. We will integrate these into your contract, ensuring funded sessions are applied during the 38 weeks of term-time operation.
- Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months for working parent schemes to keep funding active
🔔 Important Notes
- Additional charges may apply for meals, or extra hours beyond funded provisions.
- You cannot double-claim the same hours under different schemes (e.g., universal + Tax-Free), but you can combine services—like stretching funded hours alongside extra hours paid via Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit.
📱 Want to Know More?
Funding can be complex—we’re here to help! Please contact us to:
- Check your eligibility
- Discuss the best package for your family
- Receive guided support with applications or confirming codes
We’ll work with you to make the most of available support and ensure your child receives excellent care 🎈