CHILDCARE FUNDING EXPLAINED
Age 9 Months to 4 Years
30 Hours Childcare Funding For Working Families
Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year, beginning from when your child is 9 months old up until the child starts school.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible if:
-
In a two-parent household, each parent earns at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours per week
-
In a single-parent household, the sole parent meets that same threshold
-
No parent has an annual income above £100,000
Applying for Funding
-
Apply online via the Best Start in Life / government childcare portal.
-
Provide required details (e.g. National Insurance number, proof of identity, child’s birth certificate).
-
If your application is successful, you will receive an eligibility code.
-
Provide this code to your nursery manager.
-
We will validate the code with the local authority on your behalf.
-
Full details are available via the government’s Best Start in Life – Childcare & Early Years Education site: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/
Reconfirmation of Eligibility
Once you are approved for the 30-hour funding, HMRC will prompt you approximately every three months to reconfirm your details via your Childcare Service account.
You will receive a reminder by email. This reconfirmation is vital in order to continue receiving funded hours in subsequent terms.
Stretched Funding
We recognise that childcare needs often extend beyond term time. That is why Little Ripley offers the option to stretch your funded hours over 52 weeks, rather than the standard 38 weeks. By stretching, you gain greater flexibility and more consistent childcare provision throughout the full year.
Additional Support with Childcare Costs
In addition to funded hours, you may benefit from these additional government schemes:
Age 2 Years
15 Hours Childcare Funding For 2 Year Olds Receiving Support
We also offer funded places to certain 2-year-olds whose families meet qualifying criteria. Eligible children can receive 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks. Please click the learn more button below to find out more.
Who is Eligible?
-
Parents are in receipt of particular government benefits
-
The child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
-
The child is subject to a kinship or guardianship order
-
The child is being looked after by a local authority
Applying for Funding
-
Apply online via the Best Start in Life / government childcare portal.
-
Provide required details (e.g. National Insurance number, proof of identity, child’s birth certificate).
-
If your application is successful, you will receive an eligibility code.
-
Provide this code to your nursery manager.
-
We will validate the code with the local authority on your behalf.
-
Full details are available via the government’s Best Start in Life – Childcare & Early Years Education site: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/
Reconfirmation of Eligibility
Once you are approved for the 30-hour funding, HMRC will prompt you approximately every three months to reconfirm your details via your Childcare Service account.
Stretched Funding
We recognise that childcare needs often extend beyond term time. That is why Little Ripley offers the option to stretch your funded hours over 52 weeks, rather than the standard 38 weeks. By stretching, you gain greater flexibility and more consistent childcare provision throughout the full year.
Additional Support with Childcare Costs
In addition to funded hours, you may benefit from these additional government schemes:
In addition to funded hours, you may benefit from these additional government schemes:
Tax-Free Childcare — For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for disabled children).
Childcare Vouchers — An employer-sponsored scheme that lets you pay for childcare using pre-tax salary. Note: this scheme is closed to new entrants, but existing users may continue while eligible and offered by their employer.
Age 3 & 4 Years
15 Hours Universal Funded Childcare For All Families
All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks, regardless of parental income or working status. This entitlement applies to every child in this age range.
Stretched Funding
We recognise that childcare needs often extend beyond term time. That is why Little Ripley offers the option to stretch your funded hours over 52 weeks, rather than the standard 38 weeks. By stretching, you gain greater flexibility and more consistent childcare provision throughout the full year.
Additional Support with Childcare Costs
In addition to funded hours, you may benefit from these additional government schemes:
Tax-Free Childcare — For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 (up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for disabled children).
Childcare Vouchers — An employer-sponsored scheme that lets you pay for childcare using pre-tax salary. Note: this scheme is closed to new entrants, but existing users may continue while eligible and offered by their employer.