Blog
Funded Childcare Hours: What you need to know
We know choosing a nursery is a big decision, and understanding how funding works can feel a little overwhelming at first. The great news is that there is a wide range of government support available to help make high-quality early education more affordable for your family. Whether you are a first-time parent or navigating new entitlements, there is likely a scheme that can work for you. To make things easier, we have pulled everything together in one place, clearly explained and simply laid out.
Jump to:
30 hours funding for eligible working families
15 hours universal funding for all families in England
15 hours funding for families who receive additional support
Am I eligible?
When to Apply
Tax Free Childcare
Discounts at Kindred
30 hours funding for eligible working families
Tell me more...
If you live and work in England you may be entitled to 30 hours funded childcare support from the term after your child turns 9 months old, until they start school. We can offer your government entitlement of 1140 hours per year (38 weeks x 30 hours) on an all year round offer allowing your child to attend our setting for 51 Weeks. Your maximum funding entitlement per week will be 22.35 hours (1140 hours ÷ 51 weeks).
You may be eligible for this if both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) are:
- in work or starting a new job and earning at least the National Minimum Wage
- on sick leave or annual leave
- on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
Don’t worry if you don’t meet the Government’s working family criteria, your child will still be entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare from the term after their 3rd birthday.
When should I apply?
If you wish to use your entitlements later than the term after your child turns the relevant age, you can apply closer to the time you wish to start. Provided you still meet the eligibility criteria for that entitlement at that time, you will not lose your ability to apply.
15 hours universal funding for all families in England
Tell me more...
All 3 and 4-year-olds who live in England are entitled to this offer, irrespective of income levels, benefit status, or family circumstances. This entitles families to up to 570 funded hours per year (38 weeks x 15 hours) on an all year round offer allowing your child to attend our setting for 51 Weeks. Your maximum funding entitlement per week will be 11.17 hours (570 hours ÷ 51 weeks).
When should I apply?
Because this offer is for all families, you do not need to apply as your child will automatically receive these hours from the term after they turn 3.
15 hours funding for families who receive additional support
Tell me more...
Some families are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare each week (570 per year) if you have a child who has or is turning two-years old and you qualify for one of the following:
- A household income of less than £16,190 per year
- Job Seeker's Allowance
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance
To check your eligibility, visit Childcare Choices.
Am I eligible?
There are a few factors that will determine your eligibility, but not to fear! You can check out our handy, step-by-step video guide on how to check what financial help you’re entitled to below:
You can find the Eligibility Checker on the Childcare Choices website here.
Tax-Free Childcare
Tax Free Childcare is quite literally what it says on the tin— a government scheme designed to help working parents with childcare costs. With this scheme, the government pitches in £2 for every £8 you spend on childcare, up to a maximum of £2,000 per year per child (or £4,000 if your child has a disability). The best part? You can combine Tax-Free Childcare with other funding options, including the Universal and Extended Funding received at three years, to further reduce your nursery expenses.
You can check your eligibility here.
Discounts at Kindred
At Kindred we want to support families as much as we can, so we are pleased to tell you that alongside the government funding options, we also offer these special discounts for Kindred families:
- Sibling Discount: 5% off all regular booking sessions
- Services (Fire, Police, NHS and Educators): 5% off all regular booking sessions
Every family is different, so whatever your childcare needs, please don’t hesitate to come and talk to us. We’ll help you understand how the different schemes work and put together a package that makes the decision easier, and more affordable for you. To get in contact, click here to find your nearest Kindred Nursery, or visit our Fees & Funding Page to find out more. We can’t wait to hear from you.