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Government funding is designed to help make high-quality nursery care more affordable for families. It contributes towards the cost of your child’s early learning, giving them the chance to learn, play and grow in a nurturing environment.
We understand that fees and funding can feel confusing — especially alongside busy family life. That’s why we keep things as clear and straightforward as possible, and we’re always happy to guide you through what support you may be entitled to.
At The Old Station Nursery, funded places are delivered consistently, so every child receives the same high-quality care and learning experience, regardless of how their place is funded.
The 30 hour funded childcare offer is a government scheme designed to help working families reduce the cost of nursery care.
If you’re eligible, you can receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, for 38 weeks of the year (or the equivalent spread across the year), from the term after your child turns 3 years old.
These funded hours contribute towards the cost of your child’s nursery place, supporting their learning, development and care in a high-quality early years environment.
Eligibility is based on working status and income, and you’ll need to apply through the government’s childcare service to receive a funding code. This code must be reconfirmed every three months to keep your funding active.
At The Old Station Nursery, we apply funded hours consistently so that all children enjoy the same nurturing care, experiences and opportunities – whether their place is funded or privately paid.
You can check eligibility online at beststartinlife.gov.uk.
You will need details such as:
Possibly. You may be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare if you are an eligible working family. Funding eligibility depends on your circumstances.
Possibly. You may be entitled to:
Yes. All 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare, regardless of income or work status.
If both parents (or a single parent household) are working and meet eligibility rules, you may also qualify for 30 hours of funded childcare.
You apply through the government website:
Your code must be reconfirmed every 3 months.
Yes. Funding works by term and deadlines are strict.
If you miss the deadline, funding cannot be applied until the next term.
Typical deadlines:
Government funding covers nursery care only. Hot meals and/or additional services, lunch, tea and any enhancements during funded sessions are charged additionally. If these fees apply, they will appear in our fee calculator breakdown.
The 30 hours of funding is stretched over 51 weeks (full year) – your child will receive 1140 hours per year which works out as 22.35 hours per week. To access their full entitlement, this can be split over 3 full days (8am-6pm) which provides 7.45 hours per day, and the remaining 2.55 hours to be paid by the parent.
The 15 hour funded childcare offer is a government scheme that helps families with the cost of nursery care for young children.
All children are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year from the term after they turn 3 years old. Some children may also be eligible to receive 15 funded hours from the term after they turn 2 years old, depending on family circumstances.
These funded hours help cover part of the cost of your child’s nursery place, supporting their early learning and development in a safe, caring and stimulating environment.
If your child is eligible, we’ll apply the funded hours to your nursery fees in line with government guidance. Every child at The Old Station Nursery receives the same high-quality care and learning experiences, regardless of how their place is funded.
If you’d like help understanding eligibility, how the hours are used, or when your child can start funded care, our friendly nursery team is always happy to help.
The 15 hours of funding is stretched over 51 weeks – your child will receive 570 hours per year, which works out as 11.18 hours per week. To access their full entitlement, this will be split over 2 full days ( 8am-6pm), which provides 5.59 hours per day fully funded across the middle of the day, and the remaining 4.41 hours to be paid by the parent.
Browse our nursery locations to find your nearest setting offering funded childcare and book a tour today.
Visit beststartinlife.gov.uk to find out more about government childcare support and check your eligibility.
Once registered at one of our nurseries, submit your government funding code by 28th February for April funding and 31st July for September funding.
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You will receive a webpage confirmation acknowledging receipt of your code (we will contact you directly if your code is not valid).
Prior to the start of the funded term, you will be sent an email with a link to complete your parental declaration through funding loop (this is so we can claim your funding through the local authority – the local authority require a new form to be completed each term).
Every three months, your code will expire. You must renew this to receive your funding each term. Your permanent code does not change, so no need to resubmit this code on our website once renewed.
Tax-Free Childcare is available from the government to help boost your childcare budget. For every 80p you add to your account, they top it up with an extra 20p. This support is available up to £2,000 per child each year, or £4,000 if your child has additional needs.
Put simply, when you pay in £8, the government adds £2 — giving you more to put towards your childcare costs.
Why parents find it helpful
Tax-Free Childcare is a straightforward way to reduce the cost of childcare. The government contribution is added automatically, and once the money shows as “available”, you can use it straight away.
There’s no complicated paperwork, and you don’t need to apply for multiple benefits — everything is managed in one place.
Who can apply
You may be able to use Tax-Free Childcare if you are employed, self-employed, or working on a zero-hours contract, and earn at least £120 a week (or £6,240 a year).
You are employed, self-employed, or on a zero-hours contract.
You earn at least £120 per week (or £6,240 per year).
You have a child under 12, or under 17 if your child requires additional support.
You or your partner earn over £100,000 per year.
You are not currently working (outside of parental leave).
Your child is 12 or older and does not require additional support.