Making quality early education accessible for your family.
Navigating childcare costs can be overwhelming, but there are several government grants and funding options available to help reduce your fees. Below is a guide to help you understand what financial support your family might be eligible for.
Discover Your Childcare Entitlements
15 Hours for 2-Year-Olds
Eligibility-Based: Yes
This funding is available to 2-year-olds whose parents are working
(under the new government rollout) or families receiving certain forms of
government support.
You should speak to your local council unless you receive a letter.
Tax-Free Childcare (Updated 2026)
IMPORTANT
Funded Childcare Hours (Updated 2026)
Government Funded Childcare for Working Families
Eligible working parents in England can now receive:
30 Hours Funded Childcare
For children aged 9 months to school age.
Parents can receive up to 30 funded hours per week for 38 weeks per year (1,140 funded hours annually). Many nurseries offer these hours as “stretched funding” across more weeks of the year.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if:
You live in England.
You (and your partner, if applicable) are working or
starting a new job.
Each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum/Living Wage.
Neither parent earns more than £100,000 per year.
When Does My Child’s Funding Start?
Funding begins from the term after your child becomes eligible.
Child turns 9 months old between:
1 January – 31 March
➡ Funding starts in Summer Term (April)
Child turns 9 months old between:
1 April – 31 August
➡ Funding starts in Autumn Term (September)
Child turns 9 months old between:
1 September – 31 Dececmber
➡ Funding starts in Spring Term (January)
Important Note on “Stretched” Funding:
Government funding is based on 38 weeks per year.
To help families spread their entitlement throughout the year, many nurseries offer stretched funding, allowing funded hours to be used across more weeks. This helps provide more consistent childcare arrangements and monthly payments.
Tax-Free Childcare is a UK Government scheme that helps eligible working parents pay for childcare costs.
How It Works:
For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the Government adds £2.
Parents can receive up to:
£2,000 per child per year
or
£4,000 per year for a disabled child.
Eligible Childcare Includes:
✔ Nursery fees
✔ Childminders
✔ After-school clubs
✔ Holiday clubs
✔ Approved childcare providers
How to Apply for Tax-Free Childcare:
Visit GOV.UK and create a Childcare Account.
Sign in using your Government Gateway details.
Complete the eligibility application.
Receive your childcare account.
Add funds to the account.
Government automatically adds the 20% top-up.
Use the account to pay your childcare provider.
Reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months.
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