As a flexible provider there are a number of sessions and way to access childcare. We understand that managing childcare costs isn’t always easy, which is why we encourage families to take advantage of available government -funded hours. The number of hours you can receive depends on your child’s age and your family situation.

For working families – If you are a working family 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 up to 30 hours per week funded childcare for children from 9 months to four years.

If you or your partner are on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave or 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.

To check eligibility and apply for a government funded childcare code please click on the link www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

If you receive additional government support – For families on support schemes such as income support, Jobseekers Allowance, Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, you may qualify for the following:

15 hours per week funded childcare – for children aged 2 years.

15 hours per week funded childcare for all children aged 3 years.

Tax Free Childcare – Tax-Free childcare helps working families manage child care costs. Available to families with children up to age 11 or up to age 17 for children with disabilities, this scheme can save you up to £2000 per year (£4000 for children with disabilities). You apply for tax free childcare through the same gateway account as your funded application.

Tax-Free childcare can be combined along with 15 or 30 hours funded childcare to maximise savings.

Funded Childcare FAQ

When does the 15 hours per week funded childcare start?

You can start using your entitlements from the term after your child turns the relevant age to use that entitlement. The relevant age for the working parent entitlement is 9 months old. When your child turns the relevant age you are able to claim the entitlements from the term after to give the local authority and ourselves time to check funding codes and prepare. If you’re not working when your child turns the relevant age for the working parent entitlement, you may have to wait until the term after you start working to be eligible.

When your child turns the relevant age

When they can get their hours from

1st January – 31st March

Term starting on or after 1st April (Summer term)

1st April – 31st August

Term starting on or after 1st September (Autumn term)

1st September – 31st December

Term starting on or after 1st January (Spring term)

How can I check if I am eligible for funded childcare?

For more information, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

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). You will be asked whether you expect to meet the income requirements over the coming three months and whether you are in receipt of any relevant benefits.

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

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £167 per weeks (equal to 16 hours at the national minimum)

When do government changes to funded childcare come into place?

From September 2024 – all working parents of children aged 9 months up to 4 years were able to access 15 hours funded per week.

From September 2025 – all working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years can access 30 hours funded childcare per week.

Fees –

Fees are calculated monthly in advance and can be paid by bank transfer, standing order and Tax-Free Childcare.