Who’s eligible for the funding?

It’s designed for working families with 3 or 4 year olds, where both parents live and work in the UK. So, you and your partner will both need to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage or living wage and no more than £100,000 a year each.

What funding will I actually get?

You’ll be entitled to up to 1,140 funded hours per year. We’ve worked hard to balance the funding with our ability to bring you really supportive, quality care. You can use these hours as 22 hours per week across 51 weeks of the year.

When can my funding start?

You can claim these funded 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, provided you are eligible for the funded hours you’ll get the funding from April.

When should I apply?

You’ll be eligible for funding from the start of the first term after your child’s 3rd birthday.

To make sure you get your code as soon as possible, you’ll need to apply before the end of the previous term. You don’t have to wait until then though. You can apply for your code up to 16 weeks before your child's third birthday, and it’s a good idea to do it early, just in case you need any help. If you do, just ask.

How do I apply for my funded hours?

Just go to http://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to apply. Once you have applied, if you are successful you will be  sent a code, which you’ll need to give to us so we can set your funded hours up.

Do I need to apply again for the next term?

Yes. The way the scheme is set up, you will be asked to confirm you are still eligible every three months. It only takes a minute or two to do, and you will be sent a reminder when it’s time.

Is the funding just available in term time?

Small World Nursery is a day care setting so we stretch your funding across the whole year, averaging your funded hours over the 51 weeks when the nursery is open.

Do I have to use all of my hours?

Not at all. Just use the hours you need to.