Childcare funding information
Funding for childcare for your child starts the term after their birthday
Working Parent Funding
The 30 hours funding offer starts the term after your child turns nine months old and will continue, as long as you remain eligible, until they start school.
Two Year old Funding
The 15 hours funding starts the term after your child turns two years old.
Three / Four Year old Funding
The 15 hours funding starts the term after your child turns three years old.
Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ your funding over the whole year by reducing your weekly hours. You can use this funding with one or more registered settings.
Additional Charges
Government funding is intended to deliver 15 or 20 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It is not intended to cover the cost of meals, other consumables, additional hours or optional activities.
Childcare providers should be able to tell you what any additional charges are for and offer an alternative if you do not wish to use their service. For example, bringing a packed lunch instead of having a cooked meal.
Here is an example of what settings can charge for:
| What Can They Charge For? | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Refundable Deposit | A provider may not charge parents a deposit or registration fee to secure a funded place. |
| Meals and Snacks | Childcare settings may offer a chargeable food option but must allow parents the option to bring their own food as an alternative. |
| Nappies and Wet Wipes | Settings may offer a chargeable option of providing these items for parents bust must allow parents the option to bring their own alternative. |
| Sun cream | Settings may offer a chargeable option of providing these items for parents but must allow parents the option to bring their own alternative. |
| Outings and Trips (forest school, zoo trips etc) | Settings should be clear as to what is included with the funding and be clear of any additional extras such as trips. |
| Pick up and Drop offs | Parents can purchase additional hours at the settings set price and must follow the settings policy in relation to these hours. |
All parents have the same rights to access a funded childcare place, regardless of whether they choose to pay additional charges. There should be no restriction on the child accessing a funded place.