There are lots of government funding options to help parents with childcare costs. Although this does not mean that your childcare costs will be free, it does mean that your childcare costs could be much less than you expected. Several separate government-funded childcare schemes are available to parents with children aged 9 months to 4 years of age.
You can also split your funding offer between two childcare providers. To do this, you will need to provide your eligibility code and information to each provider, and you can access no more than two sites in one day.
Each provider may calculate your funding on either a term-time only or an all-year-round basis. The providers cannot exceed the funded offer of 15 hours – 570 hours per year and 30 hours – 1140 hours per year.
Private nursery fees are a significant part of household expenditure and we understand that you need to plan, budget and fully understand the charges associated with nursery fees, both private and funded.
The Old Station Nursery private nursery fee schedules clearly layout the nursery fees for different ages, the times that the nursery is open from and to, any discounts such as nursery fee discounts for NHS staff and what is included in your private nursery fees.
Many families are eligible for funding from the government towards their child’s fees from 9 months of age.
To claim Early Years Funding, you must complete a “Parental Declaration” form providing information about you and your child. The Old Station Nursery Group has invested in Funding Loop, allowing parents and staff to find and complete the required application documents and declarations, ensuring quicker access to the funding they are entitled to.
Learn more about how Funding Loop works in the video below.
Funding Loop helps parents find and apply for financial aid for their children's education. Watch how to easily fill in and submit Parent Declaration forms online for nursery funding.
Learn about Tax-Free Childcare, a valuable scheme in which working parents can apply for up to 20% of their childcare costs from the UK government and how to apply.
Everything you need to know about the funded childcare options available to you, depending on your child's age, how to access it, and the deadlines for applying.
Got questions about fees and funded childcare? Our FAQ section breaks down everything you need to know about the costs involved and how to access funding. We’ll help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions and get the support you need.
From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours per week of funding for 38 weeks of the year, which is 570 hours per year.
From September 2024, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, which is 570 hours per year.
From September 2025, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year, which is a further 570 hours totalling 1140 hours per year.
Yes, to do this you will need to provide your eligibility code and information to each provider and you will not be able to access more than two sites in one day. Each provider may calculate your funding on either term-time only or all year-round basis, combined the providers cannot exceed the funded offer of 15-hours, 570 hours per year, and 30-hours – 1140 hours per year.
We do! We understand that paying for childcare can be challenging, so we offer multiple funding options at our nurseries, including 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare. If you’re unsure if you are eligible, reach out to your nearby nursery to determine the best funding option for you. Alternatively, read our Funding Guide.
Yes, you can use the free code from your previous nursery as long as it is still valid. These codes typically migrate with the child.
The Old Station Nursery Fees and Funding Guide explains the types of funding, eligibility and how to apply.
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