Funded Childcare - What You Need To Know
Government Expansion of Funded Childcare Support
Starting September 2024, the Government is expanding funded childcare support. Families with eligible children aged 9–23 months in September can apply for 15 hours of term-time funding. This complements the funding already available for two-year-olds, which started in April 2024.
Looking ahead, a further phase begins in September 2025, when 30 hours of funded childcare will become available for all children under 5.
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.
Claim Government-Funded Childcare Before 31st December!
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.
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.
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:
- 15 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.
- Visit Childcare Choices www.childcarechoices.gov.uk and apply via HMRC. Provide details like your name, address, and income. You will also need to confirm eligibility criteria, such as working hours or benefits received.
- September 2024: 15 hours per week for children aged 9 months–4 years.
- September 2025: 30 hours per week for children aged 9 months–4 years.
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!