Understanding Funded Childcare
GOVERNMENT FUNDED CHILDCARE
At Nurturing Hands Childcare, we understand the importance of affordable, high-quality childcare for families. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a range of funded childcare options in line with UK government schemes. These programmes are designed to help parents access early education for their children, easing the financial burden while ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, play, and develop in a nurturing environment.
For working families
If you’re a working family in England and either you or your partner earns at least £183 a week (equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage), you may qualify for:
- 15 hours per week funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 3 years, starting from September 2024.*
- 30 hours per week funded childcare for children aged 3–4 years.*
- 30 hours per week funded childcare for children from 9 months to 4 years from September2025*
If you or your partner are on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or if you’re unable to work due to disability or caregiving responsibilities, you could still qualify. However, families with an individual net income of £100,000 or more won’t be eligible. Once your application is approved, funding will begin at the start of the next term.
*per term week
You need to reconfirm eligibility for funded childcare every three months. The details of this will be in your government childcare account.
Types of Funded Childcare Available
Claim government funding before the deadline
The deadline to get your code for government-funded childcare hours is the end of the month prior to the term beginning. This means that if your child is due to start the new term in April, the deadline is March 31st. The same goes for the summer and autumn terms. However, applying early helps avoid delays and guarantees your funded place.
15 Hours Funded Childcare for 9 month old
Starting September 2024, eligible working parents and carers can access 15 hours of government-funded early education and childcare for children aged 9 months to 23 months:
This funding is available for 38 weeks a year, starting the term after the child's 9th month.
15 Hours Funded Childcare for 2-Year-Olds
Some families with 2-year-olds may qualify for up to 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time. Eligibility is based on certain benefits or income thresholds. This early start helps children build social skills, confidence, and a love for learning.
15 Hours Funded Childcare for 3 and 4-Year-Olds
All 3 and 4-year-olds in the UK are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time. This helps prepare children for school by promoting early learning and social development.
30 Hours Funded Childcare for 3 and 4-Year-Olds
Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time. To qualify, both parents (or a single parent in a lone-parent household) must meet the minimum income requirements. This extended funding offers parents greater flexibility and support for balancing work and family life.
How to Apply
To access funded childcare, you’ll need to check your eligibility and apply through the official government portal. Once your application is approved, you will receive a unique reference code, which you can provide to us when enrolling your child at Nurturing Hands Childcare.
For parents seeking 30 hours of free childcare, it’s important to reconfirm your eligibility every three months to continue receiving the funding without interruption, Click here to find out more information.
Why Choose Nurturing Hands for Funded Childcare?
At Nurturing Hands Childcare, we offer a warm, safe, and stimulating environment tailored to the needs of every child. Our experienced team works closely with parents to provide the best start in life, focusing on early years development, creativity, and confidence building.
By choosing Nurturing Hands, you can be confident your child will receive high-quality care, engaging learning experiences, and plenty of opportunities to explore, play, and grow—all while taking full advantage of government-funded childcare.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to learn more about funded childcare or have questions about eligibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to guide you through the process and help make accessing funded childcare as smooth as possible.
Let Nurturing Hands Childcare support your family and give your child the best possible start in life.