Who's eligible for the funding?

Every child aged three and four is entitled to 15 hours free childcare or early education each week with an approved provider, amounting to 570 hours per year.

What funding will I actually get?

You’ll be entitled to up to 15 hours of funded childcare a week (570 hours per year). We’ve worked hard to balance the funding with our ability to bring you really supportive, quality care. You will still use these hours within the year, as 11 hours per week across 51 weeks of the year.

When can my funding start?

You can claim up to 15 hours of free childcare from the start of the term after your child turns 3.

For example, if your child’s birthday is in February, you’ll get the funding from April.

Do I need to apply?

No you do not need to apply, all the nursery will need is your child's National health number and Birth certificate number and we will apply for the funding for you.

Is the funding just available in term time?

Small World Nursery is a day care setting so we stretch your funding across the 51 weeks of the year that the nursery is open (the nursery is closed for one week over Christmas)

Do I need to use all my hours?

Not at all. Just use the hours you would like to.