Families with 2-year-olds may be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time (38 weeks a year). At our nursery, we offer this funding as a stretched option only, spreading it over 48 weeks of the year. This equates to approximately 12 hours of funded childcare per week. These funded hours are allocated through set sessions, which typically consist of one full day (9 am – 5 pm) and one half-day session (either 9 am – 1 pm or 1 pm – 5 pm). Families also have the option to purchase additional hours if they wish to extend their childcare beyond the funded entitlement. Funding is available to families meeting specific criteria, such as those receiving certain benefits or low-income households, ensuring every child has access to early education for a strong start in life.

All families with 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time (38 weeks a year). Additionally, working parents may be eligible for an extended offer of 30 hours per week. At our nursery, we offer this funding as a stretched option only, spreading the 30 hours over 48 weeks of the year. This equates to 24 hours of funded childcare per week, which is allocated across three set days from 9 am – 5 pm. Families also have the option to purchase additional hours if they wish to increase their childcare provision beyond the funded entitlement. To qualify for the 30-hour funding, both parents (or a single parent in a single-parent household) must be working and earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage.

In a recent expansion of childcare support, the UK government now offers funding for children as young as 9 months old. This initiative aims to provide earlier access to affordable childcare, helping parents return to work or better manage their work-life balance. At our nursery, we offer this funding as a stretched option only, spreading the 30 hours over 48 weeks of the year. This equates to 24 hours of funded childcare per week, which is allocated across three set days from 9 am – 5 pm. Families also have the option to purchase additional hours if they wish to increase their childcare provision beyond the funded entitlement. Similar to funding for older children, eligibility criteria apply, ensuring support is provided to families who need it most.

The Tax-Free Childcare scheme is available for working families with children under 12 (or under 17 if the child has a disability). For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government will add £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for a disabled child). This funding can be used to pay for registered childcare providers, including nurseries, nannies, and after-school clubs.

Families on Universal Credit can claim up to 85% of their childcare costs, up to a cap of £646 per month for one child or £1,108 for two or more children. This support is available for children up to the age of 16 and can be used alongside other forms of childcare funding.

To apply for these funding options, parents typically need to visit the government’s Childcare Choices website or speak with their local authority. Eligibility criteria may vary, so it's important to check the specific requirements for each scheme. At Bright Beams, we are here to support you in navigating these funding options. Please feel free to contact us for assistance or to learn more about how we can help make childcare more affordable for your family.

Me2 Funding is a government scheme that provides free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds in low-income families or those receiving certain benefits. This funding allows children to access high-quality early education, supporting their development and giving them the best start in life. At our nursery, we offer Me2 Funding as a stretched option only, meaning the 15 hours per week (term-time) is spread over 48 weeks, equating to approximately 12 hours per week. Funded hours are allocated through set sessions, typically consisting of one full day (9 am – 5 pm) and one half-day (9 am – 1 pm or 1 pm – 5 pm). Additional hours can be purchased if required.

EYPP is additional funding provided to early years settings to support 3- and 4-year-old children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This funding is used to enhance the quality of education by providing extra resources, staff training, or activities that help improve children’s learning experiences. EYPP is automatically assessed when families apply for funding, and if eligible, the additional funding is allocated to the nursery to benefit the child's early education.