Paying for childcare can feel complicated, so we want families to understand the available support and what they may need to pay.
Funded childcare in England
All three- and four-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded early education each week for 38 weeks of the year, beginning from the relevant term after their third birthday.
Eligible working families with children aged from nine months to school age may receive up to 30 funded hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. Some two-year-olds whose families receive additional support may also qualify for 15 funded hours.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances and is decided by the government, not the nursery. Families receiving the working-parent entitlement must normally reconfirm their details through their childcare account every three months.
How funded hours work
The word “funded” describes the early education and childcare hours paid for by the government. It does not necessarily cover:
Meals and snacks
Nappies or formula milk
Additional hours outside your entitlement
Optional activities, consumables or services
Late collection charges
The way hours can be arranged depends on availability, your child’s attendance pattern and the nursery’s funded-place arrangements.
Other help with childcare costs
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to use Tax-Free Childcare or claim childcare costs through Universal Credit. Tax-Free Childcare cannot be used at the same time as Universal Credit childcare support, although it may be used alongside funded childcare.
Confirming your fees
Every family’s arrangements can be different. Before accepting a place, please ask the nursery office for a personal quotation showing:
Your booked sessions
Any funded hours being used
Meals or other additional charges
Your expected monthly payment
Notice and payment terms
Government schemes and eligibility rules can change. Visit GOV.UK for the latest information, or speak to our nursery team if you need help understanding your options.