Hythe
Nursling
Basingstoke
Southampton
HytheFunding
Government support shouldn't feel confusing – and it doesn't have to be.
We've put together this simple guide to explain the main childcare funding options available and help you understand what support might apply to your family. We hope it gives you a helpful starting point, and if you'd like more detailed information, you'll also find a link to the Best Start in Life website.
Funding depends on your child's age and your family's circumstances. If you're ever unsure which options are available to you, we'll be happy to explain them during your visit and help you understand how they could apply to your child's place.
Practitioner Explaining Options to Parent
What to show
Practitioner calmly chatting with a parent, child nearby
Warm, approachable, and confident body language
Bright, welcoming nursery environment
Child engaged, relaxed, or playing nearby
At a glance
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Who is it for?
Every child aged 3 and 4 living in England, regardless of family income, employment or benefits.
What do I get?
Up to 15 hours of funded childcare each week (570 hours per year), usually taken over 38 weeks during term time or stretched across the year.
When does it start?
From the term after your child's third birthday (January, April or September).
How do I access it?
There's no government application required. We'll simply ask you to complete the relevant nursery funding paperwork before your child starts.
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Who is it for?
Eligible working families who meet the Government's work and income criteria.
What do I get?
Up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week (1,140 hours per year), usually taken over 38 weeks during term time or stretched across the year.
When does it start?
From the term after your child becomes eligible (currently from 9 months old until they start school).
How do I access it?
Apply through the Government Childcare Service to receive your eligibility code. You'll need to reconfirm your details every three months and share your code with us before your child starts.
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Who is it for?
Eligible 2-year-olds whose families meet the Government's criteria, including certain benefits or other qualifying circumstances.
What do I get?
Up to 15 hours of funded childcare each week (570 hours per year), helping children benefit from high-quality early education before they turn three.
When does it start?
From the term after your child's second birthday (January, April or September).
How do I access it?
Check your eligibility through the relevant Government or local authority process, then share your eligibility details with us before your child starts.
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Who is it for?
Eligible working families with children from 9 months old who meet the Government's work and income criteria.
What do I get?
Funded childcare from the term after your child becomes eligible, helping working families access childcare earlier.
When does it start?
From the term after your child turns 9 months old (January, April or September).
How do I access it?
Apply through the Government Childcare Service to receive your eligibility code. You'll need to reconfirm your details every three months and share your code with us before your child starts.
Need a little more information? The official guidance below explains each funding option in more detail, or we're always happy to help you understand which funding could apply to your family when you visit.
What Government Funding Covers
Government funding is a contribution towards the core cost of childcare and early education during your funded hours (such as 15 or 30 hours, depending on eligibility).
It supports:
Your child’s place at nursery
Qualified staff and safe ratios
A warm, stimulating learning environment
Early Years education and care
In short, it helps cover the time your child is with us.
Child Engaged in Learning with Practitioner Nearby
What to show
1–3 children participating in a play-based learning activity
Practitioner observing or gently guiding
Bright, safe, organised nursery environment
Children focused, curious, and confident
What Funding Doesn’t Cover
Government funding is designed to cover your child's early education and care. Some everyday items and additional services sit outside this funding and are therefore charged separately.
These may include:
Freshly prepared meals, snacks and drinks
Nappies, wipes and other everyday consumables
Additional experiences and resources that enrich children's time at nursery
Any childcare hours taken beyond your funded entitlement
These contributions are explained clearly before your child starts, so you know exactly what's included and what to expect.
Our “Everything Provided” Approach
We believe nursery life should be as simple as possible for families. Rather than asking parents to bring in nappies, wipes or packed lunches each day, we've chosen an approach that provides the everyday essentials children need while they're with us.
Through our Essentials & Extras contribution, we provide:
Freshly prepared meals and snacks throughout the day
Nappies, wipes and other everyday care essentials
A range of experiences and resources that enrich children's time at nursery
By providing these as part of everyday nursery life, we aim to make family life a little easier. It means fewer things to remember each morning, greater consistency for children, and the reassurance that everything they need is already here waiting for them.
Children Engaged in Snack or Play with Practitioner Nearby
What to show
1–3 children enjoying a snack, meal, or play activity
Practitioner observing or gently guiding
Bright, safe, welcoming nursery environment
Children relaxed, confident, and happy