Free Funded Childcare in Bradford- What You Need To Know
Government Expansion of Funded Childcare Support
The Government has expanded funded childcare support to help working families with the cost of early years education.
Eligible working parents can now access funded childcare for children from the term after they turn 9 months old until they start school. This entitlement provides up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year, subject to eligibility.
Sherwood Green Gateway is a term-time-only nursery and offers 38 weeks of funded childcare, while Sherwood Green Eccleshill is open 51 weeks per year and offers both stretched funding and term-time (38-week) options.
This expansion builds on the existing support already available, including:
15 hours of funded childcare for eligible 2-year-olds from families receiving certain benefits.
Universal 15 hours of funded childcare for all 3- and 4-year-olds, which can be combined with the working parents entitlement to make up 30 hours per week.
- 15 hours of funded childcare for eligible 2-year-olds from families receiving certain benefits.
- Universal 15 hours of funded childcare for all 3- and 4-year-olds, which can be combined with the working parents entitlement to make up 30 hours per week.
Funding Start Dates
Funded childcare begins the term after your child turns 9 months old. Terms start in:
- January
- April
- September
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility depends on:
- Employment
- Both parents (or one parent in single-parent households) must be employed or self-employed.
- Income
- Each parent must earn at least £183 a week (equal to 16 hours at National Minimum Wage) but no more than £100,000 annually.
- Child’s Age and Circumstances
- Funding applies to children aged 9 months to 4 years, depending on the phase of funding.
- Immigration Status
- Parents must meet immigration requirements for public funds.
- Benefits
- Families on certain benefits may also qualify; visit Gov.uk for more details.
How Does Funded Childcare Work at Sherwood Green?
At Sherwood Green, we understand the challenges of managing childcare costs. That’s why we encourage families to take full advantage of government-funded hours. The number of funded hours you can receive depends on your child’s age and your family’s eligibility.
Our nursery provides inclusive learning and play activities designed to keep your child engaged, active, and happy—with no additional charges for activities like sports or outings.
Free Funded Childcare in Bradford
Who Can Benefit from Funded Childcare?
For Working Families
If you and your partner each earn at least £183 per week (16 hours at National Minimum Wage) and no more than £100,000 annually, you may be eligible for:
- 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 3 years, starting September 2024.
- 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 3–4 years.
- 30 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years, starting September 2025.
Note: Families on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, or those unable to work due to disability or caregiving, may still qualify.
For Families Receiving Additional Government Support
If you receive benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit, or Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may qualify for:
- 15 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 2 years.
- 15 hours per week of funded childcare for all children aged 3 years.
If You Do Not Qualify for the Above Schemes
Families not meeting working-parent or benefit criteria may still qualify for:
15 hours per week of funded childcare for children aged 3–4 years.
Additional Support: Tax-Free Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare is another government scheme to help working families manage costs, saving up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for children with disabilities). This can be combined with 15 or 30 funded hours to maximize savings.
Apply for Tax-Free Childcare through the same gateway as your funded childcare application, and payments can be made directly to Sherwood Green Nursery.
The deadline to apply for January-funded childcare is fast approaching! Apply before 31st December to secure your child’s funded place and avoid delays.
FAQs About Funded Childcare
From the term after your child turns 9 months.
Yes! Funded hours (570 hours annually for 15 hours and 1,140 hours for 30 hours) can be spread across the year. For example:
- 15 hours per week term-time funding = ~11 hours weekly year-round.
- 30 hours per week term-time funding = ~22 hours weekly year-round.
There are several funded entitlements in England:
• Working Parents Entitlement: 30 hours per week (38 weeks a year) from the term after your child turns 9 months until they start school.
• 15 Hours for Some 2‑Year‑Olds: For families receiving certain types of government support from the term after they turn 2.
• Universal 15 Hours for 3‑ and 4‑Year‑Olds: For all 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds from the term after their third birthday. This can be combined with the working parents entitlement to make 30 hours per week.
You can use funded hours from the term after your child reaches the qualifying age (9 months, 2 years, or 3 years). The term start dates are:
• January
• April
• September
You must each earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage but no more than £100,000 adjusted net income per year.
Eligibility is assessed individually, not by household income. If you’re in a couple, both partners must earn the qualifying amount unless one partner is claiming certain disability or support benefits.
You must log into your GOV.UK childcare account every 3 months to reconfirm your details and eligibility.
Yes — GOV.UK sends email reminders before and on your reconfirmation deadline.
If you miss reconfirmation, your eligibility will lapse, but a short grace period may allow you to continue while you reapply. You can submit a new application once you meet the criteria again.
Apply online on GOV.UK. You’ll need details like your national insurance number, employment start date, benefit information, and your child’s birth certificate reference number.
Apply before the deadline for the term you want your funded hours to start:
• For January start — by 31 December
• For April start — by 31 March
• For September start — by 31 August
Apply early (ideally at least 6 weeks before) to ensure you get your code and place in time.
You may find out instantly, but it can take longer if more information is needed. Once approved, you’ll get a code to give your childcare provider.
Once you receive your government-funded childcare code, give it to your chosen Sherwood Green nursery along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth. The nursery will then:
- Check your eligibility code
- Confirm your child’s funded place
- Help you complete the Early Years Funded Agreement form so your child can start using their funded hours.
Government funding covers the 15 or 30 hours of childcare. It does not cover meals, nappies, additional hours, or optional activities.
At Sherwood Green, none of our extra activities or services are mandatory to access your funded hours — you can use your entitlement without paying for anything extra.
Find our more about funded childcare at Sherwood Green Nurseries
Complete the form below and we will be in touch.
For more information or assistance in applying, please speak to the Sherwood Green team or visit the Gov.uk website. We are here to help ensure your family receives the support you’re eligible for!