Funding

Whilst the Government funding is structured for 38 weeks of the year (term time), we have opted for the stretched offer.  The total hours are equally applied over 51 weeks equating to:

  • 15 hours funding - 11.18 hours stretched per week.

  • 30 hours funding – 22.36 hours stretched per week.

The guidance allows for additional charges to be applied for consumables, meals, enrichments and activities that are not covered by the Funding, but these charges are not to be conditional to your child accessing a grant funded place. If you opt out of our charging policy, we will endeavor to offer alternative days or hours when additional charges do not take place. Please see our funding policy.

Children become eligible for the age specific funding in the term following their relevant birthday or the term after they turn 9 months.  Term start dates as stipulated by the DFE are typically 1st January, 1st April and 1st September each year.

9-23 months

Eligible families can now apply to claim 30 hours of funding from the term after your child turns 9 months.

2-3 years

Eligible families can now apply to claim 30 hours of funding from the term after your child turns 2 years of age.

3+ years

All children over 3 in England are eligible for 15 hours of funding the term after your child turns 3 years of age. Depending on your personal circumstances, your child may also be eligible for an additional 15 hours of funding per week.

To find out if you are eligible, and other funding initiatives please contact Childcare Choices.

Tax Free Childcare

Tax free childcare is a method of paying childcare costs (including your nursery invoice) which provides a significant saving each month. It can be used alongside both 15 and 30 hours of funding. The eligibility criteria closely follows that of 30 hours funding. However, unlike 30 hours funding, it is available to all nursery age children. Full details of eligibility can be found here.

To apply for tax free childcare please follow the instructions here.

Depending on your agreed childcare plan you may still receive a monthly charge when claiming funding.

This will be a combination of:

  • Any additional hours not covered by the funded hours

  • Any meals, consumables, activities and enhancements not covered by the Government funding.

How charges are applied on Funded sessions

9 month funding charges per half day session

  • Meals £4.00

  • Consumables £2.00

2 year old funding charges per half day session

  • Meal £4.00

  • Snack and cooking £2.00

  • Consumables £2.00

  • Activities / Enhancements £5.00

3 year old funding charges per half day session

  • Meal £4.00

  • Snack and cooking £2.00

  • Consumables £2.00

  • Activities / Enhancements £7.00

Standard Fees (£10.50 per hour)

Includes all meals, activities, consumables and enrichments (excluding swimming)

9 months to 3 years old

  • 11.18 hours stretched – 3 half day sessions: £117.39

  • 22.36 hours stretched – 5 half day sessions: £234.78

Fees with funding and tax free childcare applied

Charges applied for meals, activities, consumables and enrichments. (excluding swimming)

9 months

  • 22.36 hours stretched - 5 half day sessions: £30.00 (total fees less 20% Tax Free Childcare: £24.00)

2 years old

  • 11.18 hours stretched - 3 half day sessions: £39.00

  • 22.36 hours stretched - 5 half day sessions: £65.00 (total fees less 20% Tax Free Childcare: £52.00)

3 years old

  • 11.18 hours stretched - 3 half day sessions: £45.00

  • 22.36 hours stretched - 5 half day sessions: £75.00 (total fees less 20% Tax Free Childcare: £60.00)