Understanding Childcare Funding: What Support is Available for Families?

Paying for childcare is an important consideration for many families, and understanding the funding available can help you make informed decisions. We know that knowing what you're entitled to can make a real difference, so we've put together a simple guide to explain the funding options currently available.

30 Hours Funded Childcare from 9 Months Old

Eligible working families may be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare per week from the term after their child turns 9 months old.

To qualify, each parent (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) will usually need to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or Living Wage. Some parents may also qualify if they are on parental leave, receiving certain benefits, or unable to work due to disability or caring responsibilities.

This funding is designed to help working families balance work and family life while giving young children access to high-quality early years education in a safe, nurturing environment.

Think2 Funding 15 Hours for Eligible Two-Year-Olds

Think2 funding is a government-funded scheme that provides eligible two-year-olds with up to 15 hours of free early education and childcare each week during term time. It is designed to give children the best possible start in life through high-quality early learning experiences, while also helping families with the cost of childcare.

Your child may be eligible if you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Income Support or Tax Credits, or if they meet other government criteria, including having an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. If you're unsure whether you qualify, our team will be happy to help you check your eligibility and explain how the funding can be used at our nurseries.

Universal 15 Hours Funding for Three and Four-Year-Olds

All children in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week from the term after their third birthday, regardless of their family's income or employment status.

This universal funding gives every child the opportunity to benefit from high-quality early years education, helping them to develop important social, emotional and communication skills before starting school.

Additional 15 Hours Funding for Eligible Working Families

Many working parents of children aged 3 and 4 years may also qualify for an additional 15 hours of funded childcare per week, increasing their entitlement to 30 funded hours each week.

To be eligible, parents will usually need to be working and each earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or Living Wage. Some families may also qualify where a parent is on parental leave or unable to work due to disability or caring responsibilities.

These additional hours allow children to spend more time learning through play, building friendships and developing confidence in a nurturing environment, while giving parents greater flexibility during the working week.

Tax-Free Childcare

In addition to funded childcare, many families can benefit from the Government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme. For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account, the Government adds £2, up to the annual maximum contribution, which in effect provides you with 20% of your nursery fees being subsidised. The scheme can be used alongside funded childcare (where eligible) to help cover any remaining childcare costs.

Additional Support for Some Families

Some children may also be eligible for additional support depending on their individual circumstances or family situation. This can include funding for children with additional needs or support available through local authorities.

If you're unsure what you may be entitled to, our team is always happy to help explain the options and signpost families towards the relevant information.

We're Here to Help

Every family's circumstances are different, and understanding childcare funding doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're returning to work, looking at childcare for the first time, or planning ahead for your child's preschool years, we're here to support you through the process.

If you'd like to find out more about childcare funding or discuss the options available for your family, we'd be delighted to help. Get in touch with our team to arrange a visit and discover how we can support your child's early learning journey.