Funding
Government Funding Explained
Understanding childcare funding can sometimes feel confusing, but we’re here to help. In England, the government provides funded childcare hours depending on your child’s age and your family circumstances.
These funded hours are designed to support families with the cost of childcare while helping children access early education before starting school.
Below is a simple overview of the funding options currently available.
Childcare Funding Overview
| Child’s Age | Funded Hours Available | Who Qualifies |
| Under 9 months | No funded hours | Parents pay privately for childcare |
| 9 months – 2 years | Up to 30 hours per week | Eligible working parents |
| 2 years | 15 hours per week | Families receiving certain benefits or support |
| 3 – 4 years | 15 hours per week | All children (universal funding) |
| 3 – 4 years (working parents) | Up to 30 hours per week | Eligible working parents |
Working Family Funded Childcare
Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
Funding becomes available from the term after your child turns 9 months old.
- Be working (including self-employed)
- Earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at minimum wage
- Each earn less than £100,000 per year
- Apply for an eligibility code through the GOV.UK childcare service
Parents must reconfirm their eligibility every three months through their childcare account to continue receiving funding.
Universal Funding for 3 and 4 Year Olds
All children aged 3 and 4 years old are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week, regardless of family income or employment status.
Funding begins the term after your child turns three.
Families who meet the working parent criteria may be able to access up to 30 hours funded childcare per week.
Funding for Some 2-Year-Olds
Some 2-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours funded childcare if their families receive certain government benefits or if the child has additional needs.
- Families receiving certain benefits
- Children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)
- Children in care or under guardianship arrangements
Applications are usually made through your local authority.
How the Funding Works
Government funding is usually provided for 38 weeks of the year (term time).
At Little Wonders Day Nursery, we stretch these hours across 51 weeks to help families access childcare more consistently.
When funding is stretched across 51 weeks, the weekly funded hours may be slightly lower but available throughout the year.
For example: 30 hours term-time funding may equal around 22 hours per week across the full year.
A quick visual guide to how funded Hours can work across the year.
Making Childcare Go Further
Most families need more childcare than funded hours alone provide. That’s why we stretch funded hours across 51 weeks, so you can use them more consistently throughout the year.
A consistent routine can be great for your child’s development too.
Example of a Full-Time Nursery Place
Example attendance: Monday – Friday | 8:00am – 6:00pm | 50 hours per week
| Hours Type |
Weekly Hours |
Cost |
| Funded Hours | ~22 hours |
No cost to parents (funding) Meal fee may apply |
| Non-Funded Hours | ~28 hours | Charged according to nursery fees |
Important Information
Government funding helps with childcare costs but does not cover the full cost of nursery care.
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies and wipes
- Additional hours beyond funded sessions
Our nursery team will always explain your fees and funded hours clearly on your monthly invoice.
Need Help?
We’re here to help you understand childcare funding and guide you through the application process.
Speak to our friendly team at:
Little Wonders Day Nursery
