Hythe
Nursling
Basingstoke
Southampton
Hythe
Funding
Government support shouldn’t be confusing - and it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a simple guide to the main childcare funding options available, so you can clearly see what support might apply to you and feel confident planning your child’s care.
Funding can change depending on your child’s age and attendance pattern. Our team is happy to guide you through your options and offer support, so you can feel confident and at ease, every step of the way.
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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15 hours of funded childcare or early education each week for all children aged 3 and 4 years old. This works out as 570 hours a year, usually taken as 15 hours per week during term time (38 weeks), although this can be spread as 11.18 hours per week over 51 weeks
All 3 and 4-year-olds living in England are entitled,
no matter your income, employment status or benefits
The entitlement begins from the term after your child’s third birthday (January, April or September)
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Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week. Both parents (or a sole parent household) must meet government work and income requirements.
You must apply through the government childcare service to receive your funding code and reconfirm your details every three months to keep your place funded.
This is usually taken over 38 weeks of the year during term time (a total of around 1,140 hours), although this can be spread as 22.35 hours per week over 51 weeks
Set criteria for eligibility
Entitlement begins from the term after your child turns 9 months up until School age
Parents must apply to the UKGov to claim this funding termly
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Some 2 year olds are eligible for 15 hours of funded early education if their family receives certain government benefits or if the child meets specific additional needs criteria.
2-year-olds living in England are entitled if their family meets certain eligibility criteria, such as receiving specific benefits.
The entitlement begins from the term after your child’s second birthday (January, April or September).
It is a targeted offer for families needing additional support.
This can be combined with the 15 universal hours of funding when your child turns 3
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Eligible working parents can access funded childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months old. This is part of the government’s expanded childcare support programme.
Parents must meet work and income requirements and apply for a funding code via the government childcare service. Eligibility must be reconfirmed regularly.
Eligible working parents living in England can apply, subject to earnings thresholds and employment criteria.
The entitlement begins from the term after your child’s second birthday (January, April or September).
It is a work-based offer linked to parental employment.
To find out more about funding that could already be available to you - including what you qualify for and how easily it’s applied - explore the details below.
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
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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 does not include everyday extras that make nursery life comfortable, nourishing and enjoyable.
This means it does not pay for:
Food, snacks and drinks
Consumables such as nappies, wipes and suncream
Extra activities, experiences or outings
Hours taken beyond your funded entitlement
These items are classed as additional charges and are allowed under government guidance.
Our “Everything Provided” Approach
To make life easier for parents, we aim to provide everything your child needs for the day, so you don’t have to worry about packing bags or remembering extras.
For a small additional charge, we can include:
Healthy, enjoyable meals and snacks that fuel happy, settled days.
Everyday care items provided, so home life stays simpler and nursery life stays seamless.
Enriching experiences woven into each day, creating joyful memories rather than extra decisions. This keeps mornings calmer, routines simpler, and childcare more stress-free.
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