Funding Information for 2, 3 & 4 year olds

Children ages 3 & 4 years

Am I eligible?

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £167 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage).

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.

You can't get either 15 or 30 hours childcare if you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 adjusted net income or more.

Eligible working families can get up to 30 hours childcare. This cannot be used in addition to the 15 hours available for all 3 and 4 year olds.

When can my child start?

Your child can start in their childcare place the term after they are eligible and have received a valid eligibility code, whichever is later. Term start dates are 1st September, 1stJanuary and 1st April.

To keep your 15 or 30 hours childcare place you need to check your details are up to date every 3 months.

Where can I use it?

It's available at participating:

Full day care (e.g nurseries)
Schools
Childminders
Sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
Sure Start Children's Centres
After school clubs

Please view the step by step guide on how to use 30 hours free childcare

What isn't covered?

These childcare offers are not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions. If you choose to pay for these it is an arrangement between you and the childcare provider. However, you must not be required to pay any fee as a condition of taking up a 15 or 30 hours place, and must be offered alternative options.

15 & 30 Hours Funding for 3 and 4 year olds

At Earlybirds We do offer free government places for the 15 & 30 hours funding.

15 hour funding is automatic for all 3 and 4 years olds and this is taken as part of the school hours in Creswell C of E Infants and Nursery School if you intend your child going through this school.

However 30 hours funding is only available to those parents that are eligible.

The eligibility criteria is as follows.

They earn or expect to earn the equivalent to 16 hours at National Minimum or Living Wage over the coming three months.
This applies whether you are in paid employment, self-employed or on zero hours contract.
The parent (and their partner where applicable) should be seeking the free childcare to enable them to work.
Where one or both parents are on maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption leave, or if they are on statutory sick leave.
Where one parent meets the income criteria and the other is unable to work because they are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have been assessed as having limited capability to work.
Where a parent is in a ‘start-up period’ (i.e. they are newly self-employed) they do not need to demonstrate that they meet the income criteria for 12 months.
If one or both parents is a non-EEA national, the parent applying must have recourse to public funds.
www.childcarechoices.gov.uk is the web site you need to look at to apply.

Your child can start in their childcare place the term after they turn 3 years old and have received a valid 30 hours code, whichever is later.
Term start dates are 1st September, 1st January and 1st April.
To keep your 30 hours free childcare place you need to check your details are up to date every 3 months.

Child Care Choices 30 hours funding application

What is the difference between 15 hours Universal Entitlement and the additional 15 hours?

Yes there is a difference. 30 hours is for working parents that meet the criteria above and you will need to apply for the additional hours through the child care choices web page. All children are automatically eligible for the 15 universal hours and you do not need to apply for them.

I don't have access to the internet

If you don't have access to the internet you can call the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097 and make your application over the phone.

Can I split my funding?

Yes you can split your funded entitlement between different providers but you can only use 2 different providers in 1 day. This is to help provide good continuity of care for your child. Please remember that it is your responsibility to renew your claim each term through the government gateway to keep your child hours valid.

Earlybirds Day Nursery

Welcome to Earlybirds Day Nursery in Creswell