Funding Options for Families
There are several government funding options for families whose children attend nursery, which include:
- 2 year old funding (15 hours)
- 3 & 4 year old funding (15 hours)
- 30 Hours Free Childcare – only accessible for 3 year olds and up
All children regardless of their circumstances are eligible for 15 hours (3 & 4 year old funding) which will begin the term following their 3rd birthday. This funding will be usable until your child moves up into Primary School!
Government funding can only be used during term-time (when schools are open) and cannot be banked for use in the holidays or Inset Days.
There are additional options aside from government funding which you can learn more about on our “Universal Credit & Tax-Free Childcare” page; a link will be at the bottom of this page.
Breakdown on different types of funding
15 Hours Free Childcare for 2 year olds
- For families in England, receiving some forms of support
- For families with a 2 year old child
- 15 hours of free childcare every week
To be able to take up 15 hours of free childcare for your two year old, you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria. Please see GOV.UK for further information on your eligibility.
15 Hours Free Childcare for 3 & 4 year olds
- For families in England with a 3 or 4 year old child
- 15 hours of free childcare every week
You do not need to do anything to get 15 Hours Free Childcare for your 3 or 4 year old – this funding is statutory meaning all children, no matter their circumstances, receive it the term following their 3rd birthday.
30 Hours Free Childcare for 3 & 4 year olds
- For working families in England
- With a 3 or 4 year old child
- 30 hours of free childcare every week
To be able to take up 30 hours of free childcare for your three or four year old, you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria. Please see GOV.UK for further information on your eligibility.
Once checking your eligibility, you can apply for 30 hours of free childcare by clicking this link: Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare
What does funding NOT cover?
Funding cannot be used to cover the cost of cooked meals or nursery pack lunches as funding can only be used for childcare, not additional costs. If your child attends nursery and has a lunch time meal prepared by nursery, you will be charged. You are not charged for snack.
You do have the option of bringing your child a home-made lunch. This may be as your child does not like any items on our menu or you would prefer to make a lunch box – either way, please let us know when you drop your child off at nursery.
You can find out our menu by going here: GBDN – Food & Nutrition
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