Registration

Funding

Childcare funding varies by the child’s age and your family’s circumstances. Most support is calculated based on a 38-week school year, though you can “stretch” these hours across the full year. 

For 3 and 4-Year-Olds

• Universal 15 Hours:Every child in England is entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week from the term after their 3rd birthday, regardless of parental income.
• Three Year Old Funding
• All children are entitled to 15 hours a week, in the term following their 3rd Birthday (see table below).

• Working Parent 30 Hours:Eligible working families can get an additional 15 hours, totalling 30 hours per week. To qualify, you (and your partner) must usually earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage and less than £100,000 annually.
• How to Claim:

• Universal hours:You will be given a form by pre school to complete.
• 30 hours:Apply online via GOV.UK to get an eligibility code on the link below.

For 2-Year-Olds

• Working Parent 15 Hours:As of April 2024, eligible working parents can access 15 hours of funded childcare.
• Families Receiving Support:You can get 15 hours of free childcare if you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit (with an income threshold), or if your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
• How to Claim:

• Working parents:Apply at Childcare Choices.
• Support-based:Contact your local council to check eligibility and apply. 

Additional Support Options

• Tax-Free Childcare:For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year). This can be used alongside funded hours for extra costs.
• Universal Credit Childcare:

 Working families on Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs.

• Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP):Extra funding paid directly to your childcare provider to improve your child’s education if you meet certain criteria. 

Use the Official Childcare Calculator to see exactly which schemes you qualify for based on your current income.