In England you may be eligible for funding between 15 to 30 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year.
Early Years Funding is government funded childcare support offered for 38 weeks of the year. The funding can be delivered over 38 weeks (term-time only childcare) or stretched to 51 weeks per year (all year round childcare provision).
For families receiving additional support – families that are eligible for this funding will be able to receive 15 hours per week Term Time (38 weeks per year). The child becomes eligible the term after their 2nd birthday and the terms commence as follows: 1st September, 1st April or 1st January.
All families age 3 and 4 are eligible for 15 universal hours Term Time only (38 weeks per year), there is no stipulation on eligibility for these hours. A child becomes eligible the term following their 3rd birthday and the terms are as follows 1st September, 1st April or 1st January.
Children 9 months plus in this category will be eligible for 30 hours per week Term Time (38 weeks per year). A child becomes eligible the term after they turn 9 months, the terms are as follows 1st September, 1st April or 1st January.
| Child’s age | 38 weeks Offering | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | 15 hours | Disadvantage entitlement/Entitlement Families receiving extra government support |
| 3-4 years | 15 hours | Universal entitlement All families in England |
| From 9 months to 4 years | 30 hours | Working Parent entitlement Eligible Working Families |
| If your child is born between: | They are eligible for a place from: |
|---|---|
| 1st April and 31st August | 1st September after reaching 9 months*, second or third birthday until statutory school age of 5 |
| 1st September and 31st December | 1st January after reaching 9 months*, second or third birthday until statutory school age of 5 |
| 1st January and 31st March | 1st April after reaching 9 months*, second or third birthday until statutory school age of 5 |
| *Check government eligibility criteria regarding when you return to work at: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/eligibility-checker/ |
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You can use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare whilst claiming your 15 or 30 hours of childcare support.
These schemes are only available to families living in England, although similar schemes are available in Scotland & Wales.
You can find further information and details on how to apply for funding using the Best Start in Life – Best Start in Life website (formally known as Childcare Choices).
Your funding is allocated for 38 weeks of the year, at Giant Leap Childcare and Learning Centre this is stretched to cover the 51 operating weeks to provide all year round childcare.
We offer term-time only funded childcare for 38 weeks per year at our sister settings Go Outdoors Nature Play & Outdoor Learning and Knight Hill Day Nursery.
A breakdown of our approach to funding can be found on the download below.
We recommend you place your enquiry for a personal tour as early as possible, to ensure you get the sessions and start date you require.
