Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years may be entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare support. This government initiative aims to ease the transition back to work for parents, ensuring your child receives quality care during these early, formative years.
Childcare Funding Simplified for Babies and Toddlers 9-24 Months
Navigating childcare for your little one? We’re here to guide you through the funding opportunities available for expecting or new parents.
15 Hours Childcare Funding
For Working Families
30 Hours Childcare Funding
For Working Families
Looking ahead to September 2025, this support extends an additional 15 hours. Working families will be eligible to apply for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, applicable from when your child is 9 months old until they begin school. This expansion will help parents to cover a significant portion of childcare needs during the work week.
Stretched Funding Hours
Understanding the balancing act between work and family, we offer the option to ‘stretch’ your funded hours over up to 51 weeks instead of the standard 38 weeks. This means using fewer hours per week but over a longer period. Take a look at the example below.
15 Hours
Childcare Funding
For Working Families
Traditionally allocated over the 38 weeks of term time, you have the option to extend this schedule to cover a 51-week period. By doing so, the weekly hours adjust to approximately 11 hours.
This flexible approach ensures that your baby enjoys a consistent routine while you benefit from a childcare schedule that aligns with your family’s unique lifestyle and commitments.
Additional Fees
While government funding significantly offsets childcare costs, there may be additional fees for essentials, such as all meals, nappies, wipes, suncream, trips and extra curriculum. We’re committed to transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of all costs at your nursery visit.
Benefits for your baby at Little Explorers
At Little Explorers, we’re committed to more than just exceptional childcare, we ensure you’re connected to your child’s developmental journey every step of the way. Here’s a unique advantage our families enjoy:
Tailored Baby Milestone Tracking
Our specialised online app is designed to keep you informed about your baby’s milestones. From their feeding and nap schedules to their engagement in stimulating baby-centric activities, you’ll have all the insights you need.
Applying for Childcare Funding
Find out more: Childcare Choices
Childcare Funding FAQ
Am I eligible for 15 hours childcare funding for my baby?
Working parents with babies starting from 9 months old may be eligible for 15 hours of childcare funding. Parents must work at least 16 hours weekly at the national minimum wage and have an annual income not exceeding £100,000. Find more details via the Gov.UK website
When will my childcare funding start?
The date you start or return to work determines when your free childcare begins:
- Returning 1 October to 31 January: Funding starts from the term on or after 1 January 2025
- Returning 1 February to 30 April: Funding starts from the term on or after 1 April 2025.
How does the ‘stretching’ of funded hours work?
The ‘stretching’ option allows you to spread your funded hours over more weeks by using fewer hours each week, providing increased flexibility to match your family’s schedule.
How many funded hours per day can I use at Little Explorers
The daily use of funded hours at Little Explorers depends on the nursery’s availability and opening hours. The funding is allocated on a pro-rata basis across the year, rather than by specific days.
Can I roll over unused hours to the next term if I’m on holiday?
Unfortunately, hours are allocated on a pro-rata basis throughout the year, maintaining a consistent weekly routine regardless of holidays or sickness.
What should I do if I need extra hours on an ad hoc basis?
Please discuss your needs with the nursery manager as soon as possible. They will do their best to accommodate additional bookings, which will incur a non-funded charge.