Childcare Funding
Government Funding for Early Years Education
Childcare Funding
At Brown Bears Nursery, we are dedicated to providing high-quality early years education and care. We understand that childcare can be a significant expense for families, which is why we are pleased to offer various government-funded options to support you and your child.
15 Hours Funded Childcare for 2 Year Olds
Eligibility
Families with some 2-year-olds may be eligible for 15 hours of childcare per week during term time. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria, such as receiving specific benefits or your child having a special educational need. This funding allows your child to attend our nursery for up to 570 hours per year.
How It Works
You will have to apply to your local council. Once your child is eligible, the 15 hours can be used flexibly across the week. This gives you the option to choose up to 3 sessions in the morning from 8am-12pm or the afternoon from 1pm-5pm to best suit your schedule. We also charge you £4 per session for Consumables and Experiences (please see the Fees section for a full explanation) . This fee is voluntary however, we cannot provide care without the fee as our costs exceed the amount the government is willing to fund for the space. We offer you 12 funded hours a week as we spread the entitlement over an 11-month period rather than the school term of 39 weeks which is the funding allowance. At Brown Bears Nursery, we provide a nurturing environment where your child can learn, play, and grow during these funded hours. You will be able to claim funding at Brown Bears nursery from September – July.
15 Hours Funded Childcare for All 3 and 4-Year-Olds
Universal Entitlement
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of childcare per week during term time, regardless of family income. This adds up to 570 hours of funded childcare per year. This entitlement is available from the term after your child’s third birthday until they start school.
Flexible Sessions
At Brown Bears Nursery, we offer flexible session options to make the most of your 15 hours. Whether you prefer morning or afternoon, we can accommodate your needs. We offer you 12 funded hours a week as we spread the entitlement over an 11-month period rather than the school term of 39 weeks which is the funding allowance. We also charge you £4 per session for Consumables and Experiences (please see the Fees section for a full explanation). This fee is voluntary however, we cannot provide care without the fee as our costs exceed the amount the government is willing to fund for the space. Our experienced staff will ensure your child receives a balanced mix of educational activities and playtime during these hours. You will be able to claim funding at Brown Bears nursery from September – July.
30 Hours Childcare for Working Families – 9 month, 2, 3 and 4 year old
Extended Entitlement
Working families may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term time. This entitlement is available to families where both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) are working and earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, but earn less than £100,000 per year.
How to Apply
To access the 30 hours of childcare, you will need to apply for this at www.beststartinlife.gov.uk. You will receive a code, which you will need to provide to us at Brown Bears Nursery to secure your funded place. We will work with you to create a schedule that fits your needs and maximises your child’s learning and development. If your child starts nursery in September we will claim 22 hours a week so you will pay the same rate all year round, including August. However, if your child starts their funding in January or April then you will have to pay our full fees for August as we won’t receive enough funding from the government as they only fund during term time only.
Additional Support: Tax-Free Childcare
In addition to the funded hours, you may be eligible for the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which can help you save up to £2,000 per year on childcare costs. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government will add £2, which you can use to pay for additional hours at Brown Bears Nursery or other childcare-related expenses.