Funded Childcare

Home

>

Funded Childcare

Funded childcare and ways of paying

At Little Wonders, we understand that paying for childcare isn’t always easy, which is why we encourage parents to make use of the funded hours offered to them. How many funded hours you get depends on how old your child is and your family circumstances.

Funded Childcare for 2-Year-Olds

You may be able to take up 15 hours of funded childcare for your 2-year-old if you meet the eligibility criteria. Government support includes income support, Jobseeker’s allowance, universal credit, and child tax credit; but you can also get help with childcare if a child is looked after by the local authority or receives Disability Living Allowance

Funded Childcare for 3 to 4-Year-Olds

All parents receive up to 15 hours of funded childcare for children aged 3 years. Working families in England, where you or your partner are earning at least £183/week (the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum or Living Wage), can apply for up to 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 3 to 4 years.”

Funded Childcare for Working Families

If you are a working family in England and you or your partner are earning at least £183/week, then you can apply for the following help: Up to 15 hours per week funded childcare for children aged 9 months (from September 2024) to 3 years. Up to 30 hours per week funded childcare for children aged 3 to 4 years. If you or your partner are on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or you’re unable to work because you are either disabled or have caring responsibilities, then you could still be eligible.

Further options

Childcare Vouchers

Money is deducted directly from your salary, before tax.

Tax Free Childcare

Working parents with children aged 0-11 (0-16 if disabled) can receive up to £2000 per year to support the cost of childcare.

Tax Free Childcare

Parents who are under the age of 20 at the time of starting a publicly funded course.

Universal credit

Workings parents who receive Universal Credit may be able to claim up to 85% of their childcare costs for children.

Childcare Grant

Parents who are accessing full time higher education may be able to get support with childcare costs.

Funded childcare for fostered children

Information about the funded childcare available for fostered children.

Free meals for school nursery children

Search for your nursery school class and find out if you are entitled to get free meals.

FUNDED CHILDCARE FAQ'S

When does 15 hours per week funded childcare start?"

From the term after a child turns 9 months.

How do I apply for funded childcare?"

You will be asked by HMRC for details such as your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number, as well as the same details for your partner (if you have one).

Can I spread the funded childcare hours over the year?

Yes! The 15/30-hour funded childcare is paid for 38 weeks of the year. As most working parents prefer the funding to be spread over the year, the number of funded hours each week is more like 11 or 22.”

What is the minimum income to apply for free funded childcare?

You must be earning at least £183/week (the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum or Living Wage).”

How can I check if I’m eligible for funded childcare?

For more information, visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .

Video on Funded Childcare

At Little Wonders Nursery, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality childcare. In this video, we explain how funded childcare can support your family. Learn about the various options available for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds, including the eligibility criteria for 15 and 30 funded hours. We’ll guide you through how to apply for funding, the flexibility of spreading hours across the year, and additional schemes like Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit support, and grants for students and young parents. Watch to discover how Little Wonders makes childcare accessible and stress-free for every family.